Feral

A Novella

FERAL APRIL THOMAS

© April Thomas No part of this book may be reproduced in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

April Thomas www.aprilathomas

Dedicated to...

God my Father, my loving sister Denyse. Katia, Ali, & Turquoise Physical book published upon special request Thank You Tammy Woods Smith

Untamed Lost too young in the realm of the Wild Taken in by the wolves, I was just a child.

The years moved by until my wolf mother died.

Taken I was, into the realm of the mild.

Humans they called themselves…

Human they labeled me, But inside, I remain Wild.

Table of Contents Prologue

9

Chapter 1

11

chapter 2

21

chapter 3

29

chapter 4

37

chapter 5

49

chapter 6

61

chapter 7

73

chapter 8

83

chapter 9

93

chapter 10

101

chapter 11

109

chapter 12

119

About the Author

129

PROLOGUE They found me at seven with my mother...my wolf mother. I will never forget the pain in my heart as I lay cuddled close to my wolf mother's dead body, mourning the loss of her life.

My siblings and I were taken away. I would never see them again no matter how much I called for them. I hate them, the humans...

They killed my mother, they took away my brothers and sisters and brought me to the door step of a man and a women whom I do not know.

CHAPTER 1 UNTAMED

“His heart sank at the sight of his seven years old and the family dog snarling at each other. He tried to call to the family dog, but it was pointless.”

The doorbell rings.

"She's here!" Amelia Hanson cries out, racing down the corridor toward the front door.

"Be careful, dear. Remember what the doctors said." Albert Hanson races behind his overly-sensitive wife.

It is August, 1993. Their youngest daughter is returning home, after being lost for five years.

"We have waited very long for this; please do not refuse me one more second of holding my baby."

"The girls are all up stairs?" Albert questions while running his fingers through his smooth dark curls, he then fixes his tie in the mirror.

"Yes, just like Peggy suggested." Amelia said, then checks herself in the mirror also. "You think she will accept us?"

"Yes, my queen, don't worry. We are her parents, and she will know we love her very much," Albert reassured his wife.

"Okay, Ready?" Amelia asks eager to see her daughter.

Albert nods to his wife, who flings the front door of their luxurious mansion open, just as Peggy Hall gears up to ring the doorbell, once more. "Oh my goodness!" Amelia blurts out, while looking down at her seven-years-old daughter, Azura Hanson.

"Mrs. Hanson, please," the social worker pleads as Azura moves behind her, frightened by her own mother. "Hey, sweet girl, do you remember when I showed you pictures and spoke to you about this nice people?" Peggy places her folders, over-stuffed with paperwork on the concrete floor while stooping to speak with Azura. The little girl nods, slowly, and tightens her grip on Peggy's hand. "Do you remember how we say hi?" Azura looked a bit confused by her words. "How do we? Umm..." Peggy struggles to find smaller words to help her understand. She raises her hand and waves to Azura, saying hi, repeatedly, until Azura giggles and waves back. Her stunning, aqua blue eyes disappeared behind blushing cheeks.

As she struggles to mimic the sound she hears coming from Peggy, finally releasing a well fought "hi." Amelia ponders on the shade of blue her daughter’s eyes held. She was born with blue eyes and although both, her husband and she had brown eyes, it was rare but not too rare for her to have them. Amelia assumed they came from her great great grandmother from England, but now they seemed different, the shade of blue with specks of a deeper blue. Amelia decides to keep this to herself, just until she can talk it over with Peggy and her husband in private.

"Very good Azura, I'm so proud of you!" Peggy gives her a hug, gently. "Now let's say hi to your mom and dad." Peggy turns Azura to face her speechless parents, but her eyes will not leave the social

worker's face. She eagerly awaits instructions on how to perform every action required of her.

Peggy gives a melodramatic hello to the gape-mouthed Hanson couple. Azura waves at her parents, but continues to keep her focus on her social worker. "Very good beautiful."

"Please, come in." Albert pushes his traumatized and ridged wife out of the way. Amelia stumbles backward, catching her balance with her husband's help.

"Please, come in Azura." He speaks gently to his daughter, fighting the urge to scoop her up into his arms. Albert Hanson is the proud business owner of a highly-lucrative business, supplying new technology to companies around the globe. When their daughter went missing, they fought hard to keep it private, fearing threats from criminal optimists. They knew if she was kidnapped a ransom note would soon follow her disappearance. After one month, they were certain someone in search of money had not kidnapped their daughter.

Peggy nods as she begins moving toward the open door, only to be jerked back by Azura, who refuses to budge. "Sweetie, it's okay.

This is your home." She touches Azura's soft, large curls. "We had to shave her head bald. I'll explain later, it's growing in nicely."

"That's quite alright. We are very grateful for all you have done for our baby," Albert replies.

Azura shakes her head no, defiantly, and looks back at the car they arrived in. Peggy quickly understands her fears, remembering how highly responsive she was to her surroundings. "I know this is new, but I'm here for you."

Azura nods in reluctant agreement. She cautiously follows her

social worker into the home, clinging onto her hand and skirt. They make their way through the mansion and into a grand living room.

As they sit on the sofa, Azura pins herself against Peggy.

"I apologize for this." Peggy struggles to straighten her clothing.

She finally gives up; releasing a heart-felt sigh as she gently runs her fingers over Azura's precious head. "This is a lot for her in one day."

"I apologize for my wife." Albert looks back at Amelia, who is walking like a zombie toward them. He swiftly approaches her, takes her by the arm and pulls her into an out-of-sight area of the room.

"What has gotten into you?" Albert scolds under his breath.

"Did you see her eyes, honey do you remember them being that shade of blue and the specks...are they sure she's all right?" Ameila replied.

"Sweetie, I just need you to be her mother right now, please that's all that I am asking," Albert begs.

Ameila nodded slowly and tried to push her troubled thoughts behind her. "Okay," she whispered.

Peggy watches as Azura stands and peeks around the corner, curiously. "Are you worried, sweetie? It's okay, everything is alright." Peggy begins wondering if maybe this should have been thought out more.

Azura rushes back to Peggy's side, clinging to her as Mr. and Mrs. Hanson return. "My apologies" Amelia breaks her silence as she gingerly enters the room carrying a stuffed animal. Azura's eyes brighten as she finds interest in the toy her mother is holding.

"Hello, Azura, I'm your mommy. Do you remember Mr. Popples?"

She holds the small, stuffed, brown bear in front of her daughter.

"Do you remember him, Azura?" Peggy feels Azura's grip lighten.

The bear seems to pique her interest as she slowly reaches for it.

Everyone does their best to control their excitement as Azura takes the toy from her mother. Amelia wants so badly to hold her youngest daughter and tell her how sorry she is for failing her as a parent. She wants to let her know how much she missed her, and tell her she will never let her out of her sight, ever again. ♥ At the age of seven, rescuers find a feral child living amongst a pack of wolves, in the wilds of Canada. When she was two, her family took a vacation to Algonquin Park, in Ontario, Canada. On the last day of their trip, the family of nine was preoccupied, packing and cleaning up the campsite. Everyone assumed Azura Hanson was in the RV, napping. Her mother, Amelia Hanson, insisted they do a head count before her husband, Albert Hanson, drove off. It was then they discovered Azura was missing.

For the next five years, Mr. and Mrs. Hanson searched for their lost child. They never gave up, even when everyone else did. Every year, they revisited the campsite, in Algonquin Park, spending countless hours searching for signs of their daughter. No one knows how the wolves found her; all they do know is she became one of their own. Azura roamed around freely, under the watchful eye of her wolf mother. At night, she would gather all her offspring, including Azura. With the warmth of her body, the mother wolf would keep them all warm. Azura was fed and kept alive by animals most people feared in the wild. Her heart loved being a part of the pack. Everything she needed to know and understand about life, she learned from them.

Azura vividly remembers strolling through the woods, collecting

berries, and playing close to her pack when a hunter came across them. She must have frightened him, since he instantly lifted his shotgun and pointed it directly at her. The wolf mother lunged at him, the gun fired, killing her, leaving Azura and the new offspring orphaned. The hunter did not wait around to be discovered by other wolves, when he realized it was a mother wolf. Azura cried with her siblings. She wailed, holding onto her wolf mother's fur, begging her to wake up. Hours later, the hunter returned with a search party and a full rescue team. Azura and the young pups were captured. The wolf pups were taken to a wild-life refuge, and Azura was admitted into a nearby hospital, in Canada.

When her parents came to identify her, they could hardly believe their eyes. Her mother knew instantly this was their long, lost daughter, but her father needed to see the results of a DNA test.

Azura could not speak any understandable words. She had an array of grunting noises to communicate her wants and needs. At night, she would howl, hoping to hear back from her pack and be reunited with them. For the first six months, she refused everything human. Her hair stayed in one tangled clump, because she fought off the staff when they attempted to groom and care for her.

When Peggy Hall first began working with Azura, she feared she would never be reformed, or reach an acceptable social level to be re-entered into society. However, she refused to give up on her.

Finding a way to communicate and reason was imperative to the success of reforming Azura. Reluctantly, her parents agreed to let her stay in Canada, with Peggy Hall, in hopes that when she was ready to return home she would be in a state of mind they could handle.

To everyone's amazement, she learned quickly. Although, she needs constant attention, patience, and structure, Azura is coming along nicely. ♥

"She loves the outdoors. Maybe one of the girls can give her a tour?" Peggy suggested after Azura seemed to settle down for a bit.

"Yes, yes of course," Albert replied standing up from the couch where he was seated and leaving to fetch one of his older daughters. He returned shortly with Arlene. She approached Azura gently who seemed to respond to her quickly. She allowed her older sister to take her by the hand and lead her through the house and out to the back yard.

Peggy knew that Mr. and Mrs. Hanson had questions and she had a few questions of her own. "Your daughter is a beautiful and loving soul," Peggy began. "However, there are some things you must be aware of concerning her well-being."

"Is she sick?" Ameila questioned.

"No, no. Azura is just...different," Peggy could not find the perfect words no matter how many times she replayed it in her mind.

"Just tell us," Albert insisted.

"Azura's eyes are..." Peggy paused then sighed. "Mr. and Mrs. Hanson, it seems that your daughter has evolved and in some cases regressed to an animal like mentality. Her eyes have the ability to see in the dark." she paused as Ameila gasped and placed a hand over her chest. "I'm sorry, is this too much?" Peggy questioned.

"No please, we must know. My wife is just dramatic," Albert said while patting his wife's back.

"I'm not being dramatic. Do you hear what she is saying," Amelia protested.

"She's our little girl and she has endured something that would easily kill any child. We have to be grateful." Albert replied to his wife. He then nodded at Peggy to continue.

"Your daughter...I don't know how much you know about modern science and DNA or genetics, but it's impossible to just suddenly develop eyes like that." Peggy said.

"What do you mean?" Albert asked.

"She was born with the ability to see in the dark." Peggy answered.

"What are you saying?" Amelia asked.

"Your daughter is special," Peggy replied. "Most areas of her life have been carefully reformed, and she is now able to re-enter society. However, one area of her life is misunderstood."

"And what area is that?" Albert questioned.

"She has a bit of an anger problem and an intense rage and animosity towards people. I'm working with her and so far she is doing well, but I would feel better if you would allow me to stay an extra two weeks to help her adapt to her new surroundings."

Peggy explained.

"Absolutely not." Ameila replied.

"I'm just afraid that she will regress," Peggy added.

"Mom!" Arlene called running into the house, holding her hand.

"What’s wrong?" Amelia asked running towards her daughter.

"She bit me and she's fighting with the dog!" Arlene said franticly.

"Oh my goodness!" Peggy gasped as she jumped to her feet and followed Albert as he ran to the back yard.

His heart sank at the sight of his seven years old and the family dog snarling at each other. He tried to call to the family dog, but it was pointless.

Peggy's eyes brighten as they caught sight of a metal pail and a hose nearby. She filled the pail with water and splashed it on both Azura and the family dog.

Albert sighed as he looked over at Peggy, "Can you stay longer than two weeks?" ♥ A month had passed and Azura was final settled into her new life style. She was now speaking more and asking lots of questions. She re-connected with her parents and most of her siblings. Although the entire family were happy to have her back, dealing with her animal-like behavior took a lot of patience.

Azura's eyes continued to bewilder everyone and at times frighten strangers. Her parents finally decided concealing her eyes with non-prescription brown color contacts. However rare her condition was, she was absolutely beautiful. It took a lot of molding from her parents and siblings, but Azura blossomed into a classy yet mysterious young woman and her parents were ready to marry her off. Unfortunately, the family would have to come together and trick her into marriage.

CHAPTER 2 SEDUCTION

“"I guess this is where you piss all over me!" Azura said turning to face him.”

June 12, 2011 18 years later...

The wind blows through her tresses and fragrant flowers surround her as the evening sun radiates off her golden-brown skin. An elegant off-white wedding dress, with intricate designs, fits snug against her hourglass shape, drifting off into a wave of shimmering fabric.

By the look on her face, one can hardly believe this would be the happiest day of her life.

"Can I get you anything?" He questions while stepping onto the balcony. The wind hits him with her fragrance, and his temperature rises. It takes all his strength to hold himself back from taking her, right there on the ledge.

"No, I'm just going to call and see how my mom is doing," she moves pass him, careful not to graze any part of her body against his.

She makes the call, anxious to hear any reputable news. Greeted by

her mother's nurse, Azura is unable to speak directly with her mother. The nurse informs her of the less-than-settling news.

"Okay, please call me any time, for anything. Promise me?"

The nurse, reluctantly, agrees.

"Sweetie, it's your wedding night, your mother will be fine," the nurse encouraged.

"I just want to know if anything changes, good or bad," Azura insists.

"Alright, now go and enjoy that beautiful hunk. Don't call me, I will call you." The nurse ends the call, without accepting another word.

She stays on the line a bit longer, creating a facade, in an attempt to avoid her new husband's alluring stare. However, the loud repetitive tone blares in her ear while blood rushes to her cheeks, displaying an embarrassing red glow.

"Is everything alright?" He asks gently as his heart longed for an excuse to hold her.

"Ah, everything is fine, for now," Azura places the phone back onto its receiver.

"I will not request anything of you tonight," he says while moving to a stand behind her.

"You will not request anything of me, ever!" The words escape her mouth, with bitter rage, as she turns to face him.

Swiftly, he pins her against the wall of their penthouse suite. His thigh forces her legs apart as he presses against her. "It is taking everything I have not to rip that dress off and devour you. Please,

do not test my temper, as well."

Was it her plump, quivering lips or the sensation of ample breasts pressing against his firm chest? Tobias Cavanaugh holds an unfathomable passion for Azura Hanson. To say she is beautiful would be too vague. Words cannot describe the beauty her being carries.

Her chest heaves up and down, the pressure becoming too much as her lungs fight for air.

"This is an arrangement. I was not given the opportunity to search out a more pleasing option." She pushes on his broad chest, swiftly concealing the quiver shooting through her as she admires the feel of his flesh under her fingertips.

"An arrangement?"

"We both know the situation. Although I'm grateful for all you’re willing to do for my mother, I will not be your sex slave."

"Is that what you think?"

"It's what I know."

"Yes, this is an arranged marriage, but the feelings I carry for you are not arranged, they are real."

"I am not something you can buy."

"I did not buy you."

"Really? It's difficult to tell by the deal you presented to my father."

Anger takes hold and Tobias, he walks away. Grabbing his suit

coat off the back of a nearby chair, he hastily leaves the hotel suite.

Tobias makes his way to the resort bar and places an order for the strongest shot available. "You know what? Just give me the damn bottle." He pulls out his wallet and drops a few hundred dollar bills. ♥ Azura collapses on the floor of their wedding suite, in an untamable tantrum. The past three hours were spent fighting with her gown, unable to reach the hooks that will free her from bondage. Her eyes begin to burn and she is reminded of the contacts she had been forced to wear most of her life. In her deep bitterness she removed both contacts and threw them on the floor.

Deep down, she resented her parents for not accepting her as she is. Now that she was out of their home she would never wear those contacts again, and if Tobias couldn't deal with it then that could be her ticket to freedom.

The last thing Azura ever wanted was marriage. Growing up in a home with six sisters, an overbearing father, and an overlysubmissive mother, she refused to fall into the typical stereotype of womanhood. Being the youngest, Azura got away with a lot of things her sisters did not. She insisted on playing male-dominated sports, wearing boyish clothes, and keeping male friends.

When puberty hit and her monthly cycles began, it was a disaster, changing her life forever. Azura cried for a week. Her mother did everything to console her, but she refused to accept that she was now a woman. For the last five years, her father has struggled to find his last unmarried daughter a spouse.

Although they live in the present, to her father it is still early in the 19th century. No daughter of his will be unmarried when he passes away. Azura would not be in this situation today, if not for her

mother's death bed wish.

She sobs as she thinks of all the freedom she has lost. Her sisters took marriage well. Each seemed eager to start a new life as a Mrs., and none of them complains about their cheating husbands.

Azura, on the other hand, enjoyed the freedom of being a single woman without the responsibilities of managing a home, or being expected to perform certain duties to please a man.

Rage fills her, again. Slamming her small fist into the carpet does little to ease her aggression. Her body trembles as she fights to calm herself down. There is only one thing that soothes her when she is this angry. A dirty little secret she keeps mainly to herself.

There is only one person she has shared this secret with; her best friend, Morgan Judd. ♥ It is prom night in May of 2004, and Azura arrives alone. She refused to wait for her date and do the traditional corsage pinning, followed by the limo parade through town. Obviously, this did not sit well with him, because he arrived at prom with a new date on his arm. He went even further, and added to the already circulating rumors that she was not into men; saying she offered him money to be her date, just to make her parents happy. It was Morgan who found her crying underneath the school's bleachers. He came to console her; however, his gentle touches made her crave more. She lost her virginity to Morgan, and continued to find solace in him whenever she needed to calm down, and was unable to do so on her own. Enjoying their no-strings-attached friendship was all she desired and needed. ♥ She needs him now to put out this fire burning inside of her.

Something she refuses to give to Tobias. His eyes demand sex and her pride refuses to submit. In a blur of suppressed sexual energy,

Azura pulls herself to her knees and slowly pulls her gown up over her thighs. She struggles to slip inside her white lace panties and grant herself release.

Tobias enters the suite and observes her fighting with the elaborate white gown. He kneels down behind her and slowly unfastens the gown. She releases a heavy breath, happy to be free. Tobias stares lustfully, at the smoothness of her skin; the alcohol in his system makes it difficult for him to resist her. He curses himself for returning, and regrets not going to the front desk to request an additional room, instead.

"Help me," a faint, breathless whisper escapes her lips. "Help me."

She repeats the request, her voice becoming stronger.

Tobias wants to believe she is asking him to make love to her, but he figures she just wants the gown off. "There will have to be some sort of reward for this," he thinks to himself. "If only she would let me..."

His lips softly rest on her back; he presses a kiss to her spine and the loving energy he has been trying to withhold from her releases, sending spiraling energy down her spine until it sends shivers to her clit. Encouraged by the sound of her moan, he peels her out of her gown. She lies back in her white, lace lingerie. She looks up at him and the moon light piercing through the balcony hit her eyes casting a mysterious electric blue glow.

Tobias watches, in heated amusement, as her fingers slip beneath the lace bra, caressing her brown nipples. Again, her supple lips called to him for help, and he finds himself pulling off his clothes.

As his eyes continue to observe her beautiful body, they make their way to her face and he is startled yet intrigued by the glow in her eyes. "Your eyes?" he whispers but his words only come out as a weak mumble to her. He doesn't care; they are beautiful and intriguing to him and only made her irresistible to him.

Lifting her from the floor, she wraps her slender legs around him, pressing against his thick, hard cock. Another shiver runs through him, making his cock harder than it was before. Gently he lays her on the bed, running his fingers up the length of her stomach and between her breasts, savoring every touch. Azura does not hesitate to free her breasts. He joyfully sucks in her nipple, flickering and sucking, as they become hard. Azura runs her fingers through his hair, pulling and begging for more of him. Making his way to her feet, he strips off the remainder of her undergarments and kisses the soles of her feet. Kissing his way up her legs and between her thighs, his warm, wet tongue slips between her lips, finding her nub. Bolts of sexual energy shoot through her stomach and careen its way to her heart and mind. Her ears begin ringing as her pussy drips, aching for the full length of his cock to fill her.

Feeling her wetness and seeing her clit throb, he cannot hold back any longer. The heaviness of his cock falls against her wet pussy and her hips gyrate, fighting to pull him into her. Grabbing hold of his cock, he looks down on the beautiful scene playing out before him. Her beautiful breasts dance in a hypnotic motion as her hips and waist beckon for his gentle touch. He seeks out her opening, and forces his way in. Azura lurches forward, grabbing hold of his arms, as the welcomed pain of his cock forces its way deep inside of her.

Her tightness pleases him, enormously. Feeling her tighten and release as her hips gyrate and she grinds her pussy all around him, he kisses her tender lips. They are in absolute heaven. Her soft moans, and his deep groans, seem to go on for hours. Sinking deeper into her tightness, she begins to orgasm, screaming and grunting, uncontrollably. Tobias cannot hold on any longer. His cock explodes, filling her with his rich seed.

As they drift off to sleep, she whispers the name, Morgan. Tobias' heart breaks. Is this why she's resistant toward him? She is in love

with another.

Azura falls into a light sleep. Never before had she felt such pleasure. It was not like this with Morgan. He was ridged and selfish. And when they were finished her anger diminished, but not like this. The anger was completely gone, and replaced with love and warmth, not bitterness and emptiness. She slowly opened her eyes as she slowly woke from her light sleep. She checked to see if Tobias was sleeping, and she found herself becoming aroused as she watched him sleeping soundly. A smile came across her face as she thought about the love they made.

Quietly she slipped out of bed and walked across the room. The balcony doors were partially open and Azura craved to feel the cool night air on her bare skin. It was something she missed when growing up with her wolf mother although eventually she found covering for her skin to make it through the cold winters. She spent most of her time naked and free. She slowly opened the door and walked out to the balcony. The ocean breeze hit her skin and instantly filled her with joy. She stood there silently enjoying her solitude.

"Azura?" Tobias called out to her from the doorway of the balcony.

She wiped her head around to see her husband glaring at her.

"You’re naked in the balcony." Her eyes...her parents warned him about her eyes, the physical defect is what they called it. However, Tobias seem to get caught up in them, his spirit seemed to be taken away with her and he wanted to learn more about her, more about what made her so different.

"I guess this is where you piss all over me!" Azura said turning to face him.

"Piss on you?" Tobias repeated almost humored by her response.

CHAPTER 3 ADAPTING

“Well, I decided the only solution is to seduce him," Shelby spoke turning her head towards her friend.”

"Yes, piss on me... Claim me as your woman! Take away my freedom my joy!" Azura continued.

"Why would I want to take away your joy? Why in the world would I want to piss on you?" he replied. "You’re standing butt naked on the balcony, if it wasn't for the fact that we are in the penthouse suite I would have lost my mind. I don't want strangers looking and admiring my woman."

"Your woman!" she snapped.

"Can you please get you sexy ass back in this suite!" he demanded stepping aside so that she would enter.

"No!" she said defiantly.

"No?" Tobias repeated in a calm voice. "Okay," he mumbled stepping naked out onto the balcony. He picked her up and held over his shoulder as she kicked and screamed for him to put her down. He stepped back into the suite with her and pinned her

against the wall swinging one of her legs onto his other shoulder.

He dove his tongue into her pussy, she instantly gasped for air as she pulled his hair. He joyfully massaged her pussy with his tongue enjoying every minute of it. He barely noticed when she stopped fighting him. She was now caressing his head, pressing his mouth and tongue to go deeper into her warmth. He stopped and gently placed her feet on the floor. They both breathed heavily as they gazed into each other’s eyes. "I- I don't want to fight you...I just want to make love to you every minute of every day," Tobias whispered.

Azura slid against the wall to the floor. His words and the emotions she felt coming from him confused her deeply. She didn't understand how to make sense of what was happening to her with him. She looked up at him with tear filled glowing eyes, yet the first thing she could see was his swollen cock. She was curious of what it would feel like to make him feel how he had made her feel earlier. Her hands slide up his thighs and her warm mouth took him in.

His knees grew weak and he roughly placed his hand on the wall to steady his weight. "Azura," he groaned. She stopped and looked up at him. He lifted her to her feet then picked her up and walked with her to the bed. "We have to learn other ways to communicate," he said gently.

Silently she spread her legs and began to play with herself. She wanted him, she wanted more of him and she knew that she may not feel this way by the morning.

Tobias couldn't resist her any longer. "You are beautiful. Do you know that?" he whispered as he placed himself between her thighs.

"You think that I am beautiful," Azura responded surprised by his words.

"Yes and so much more," he answered as he forced his thick hard cock inside of her.

She placed her hands on his arms and dug her nails in as the pain came then went.

"I love your eyes...I have never seen a blue like that before and the way that they glow...I have always found you attractive...always," he said looking into her eyes.

Azura fell silent as she stared into his eyes. Tobias leaned down and kissed his wife and for the first time she kissed him back.

Although his heart was a bit disturbed concerning the man's name she whispered the first time they made love. He could not deny he was falling for her and he had never fallen for any woman like this before.

They fell asleep wrapped in each other's arms. By morning, room service had arrived and set up an amazing breakfast for them in the suite's dining room. Tobias woke before Azura. He showered and dressed and seeing that she was still asleep he decided to wake her with breakfast in bed.

He smiled as the smell of bacon and eggs seem to bring her back from dream land. "Good morning beautiful," he greeted her.

"Good morning," she blushed while sitting up. The sheets rolled down exposing her round breast.

He found it interesting that she seem to have no apprehension or modesty about being in the nude. Her parents did make her seem like she was not completely there in the head, but he just didn't see her that way. To his in-laws Tobias had just taken a major problem off of their shoulders, but to Tobias he had just found a rare beauty.

He was willing to take on the arranged marriage if it would be the only way to get close to her. ♥

Shelby Meade, a gorgeous red headed vixen plopped down on the couch of her friend’s condo. She posed and sprayed a can of Easy Cheese directly into her mouth, then continued to complain about her new dilemma.

"Well, I decided the only solution is to seduce him," Shelby spoke turning her head towards her friend.

Jackie Doyle looked at her friend and shook her head. "Shelby, learn when to call it quits. He never considered you more than a good hump in the hay," she scuffed.

"A hump in the hay, who talks like that?” Shelby mocked.

"Look, be lucky you still have a good paying job. Tobias doesn't need you, and I'm sure when his wife settles in, you will be the first thing she gets rid of," Jackie added.

"I can't believe you’re taking his side Jackie!" Shelby snapped sitting straight up on the couch.

"You guys have had this flakey on and off bedroom Olympics thing for fifteen years...If he wanted to marry you then what’s stopping him?" Jackie pointed out.

"This marriage is a fake, it’s an arrangement. And with him keeping me around, it just proves it. I'll give him his space, but I know he never had anything like this!" Shelby said tapping her crotch. "And he will be back for more, real soon."

"He is married, you have to respect that!" Jackie said as she glared at her friend.

"Yea we'll see how long those vows will last when he gets back home," Shelby said standing from the couch and slipping into her high heels.

"Where are you going?" Jackie questioned confused.

"I need to make sure they don't come back happy," Shelby said grabbing her purse and walking out the front door.

Jackie sighed, "When you’re stupid, you’re stupid." She grumbled.

Shelby made her way down to her vehicle and drove off, frustrated by the thoughts of the romantic nights she shared with Tobias. She hated their last conversation and she knew that if she called his phone one more time, she would lose her financial security for good. However, if it was for business it couldn't hurt.

She dialed his number and was startled when a female answered.

"Hello?" she repeated for the second time. Shelby hung up the phone and burst into tears.

Azura looked at the cell phone puzzled...

"Who was it?" Tobias asked as gently rubbed more sunscreen onto his wife's back.

She looked at the cell phone to see what the Caller ID displayed.

"Shelby?" Azura answered.

Tobias suddenly became ridged. "What did she say?" he asked.

"Nothing, she hung up." Azura replied.

"I guess it wasn't important," Tobias said blowing off the subject.

"Well, who is she?" Azura asked. She was already jealous about the call and didn't like the energy she was feeling coming from him.

"Ah, well, Shelby is my secretary," Tobias answered visibly uncomfortable with the conversation.

Azura observed the signs that his body and spirit were giving her.

It was something she learned from her wolf mother so many years ago. It just seemed to stay with her all these years. She was amazing good at reading people’s body language and energy. And

what was coming from Tobias was turning her stomach. They had three more weeks on their honeymoon and she was already beginning to sense a major life mistake coming her way.

Tobias realized he had given his wife a reason to suspect the wrong thing about him by not being completely forth coming about his past relationship with Shelby. However, if he told her everything would she understand why he is keeping her on as his secretary?

"We should talk more about this," he said not wanting her to misunderstand anything.

"No. This is an arranged marriage," she said standing up and leaving.

"Azura, where are you going?" he asked following her.

"I'm fine," she said turning to face him. "I'm just going to call back home and make sure my mom is okay," she said giving him a fake smile.

"Okay, I'll give you some privacy, I'll wait for you down here," He informed her.

"Sure, see you later," she turned and left coldly.

His only desire was to clear any confusion she may have with Shelby; however, Azura had every right to be upset. He handled the situation poorly. Tobias watched as Azura disappeared into the resort. He thought about calling Shelby back and firing her. He had taken a gamble on agreeing to the arranged marriage with Azura and he did not regret it. The last thing he needed was unwanted skeletons tumbling out of his closet. He rushed back to where he and his wife were lounging by the pool. He sought out his cell phone and pressed redial. The phone went straight to voice mail.

He needed to speak with her directly, leaving a voice mail was pointless; she would claim she never received it. ♥

Azura made her call back home to her mother and she was happy to be able to have a short conversation with her mother. She didn't want to stress her with her problems so she kept the conversation short and pleasant. After speaking with her mother she took a shower then sat down on the bed naked as she thought about how she felt concerning her last conversation with Tobias and their arrangement. For a moment she had forgotten it wasn't a real marriage. She thought about the love that they had been making and what would happen should she become pregnant. In her rage it just wasn't something she was thinking about.

"This is a mistake," she began to cry. "I married a complete stranger...but, my mom...I had no choice, she just wants to know that I will be taken care of," she reasoned with herself. "But, no child should be brought into a loveless union..."

Tobias abruptly entered the room and found her curled up on the bed in the fetus position. The room’s only light was coming from outside. He walked to the bed slowly and cautiously as if he were sneaking up on a wild animal. As he moved closer and after seeing her nakedness, his only desire was to make love to her. He quietly stripped off his swimming trunks. His cock was already swollen for her; all he needed was for her to open her beautiful flower to him.

He gently called out to her as he came onto the bed. Azura tired to fake that she was sleeping, but it was pointless deep down she wanted him too and this was causing her a lot of turmoil in her heart. "Tobias," she sat up and turned to face him.

"You’re crying," he said as his hardness softened a bit.

"What did we do?" Azura said to him.

"What do you mean?" He slumped his shoulders as he knelt on the bed.

"You’re...30...right?" Azura questioned.

"Yes." "I'm 23...You had a whole life before me and so did I..."

"Where are you going with this?" Tobias asked growing agitated with where he felt the conversation was leading to.

"I'm some stranger’s wife," she blurted.

Tobias pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. He pressed her ample breast against his firm chest, and then kissed her cheeks and her forehead. "I am your husband. I told you yesterday that the feelings I have for you are real...maybe you don't feel the same for me, but just give me a chance, please."

As she stayed silent, he kissed her all over then gently laid her back onto the bed and placed himself between her legs. He sucked on her nipples until soft moans escaped her lips. The sound of her voice made him hard once more and he didn't hesitate to dive into her flower, the flower that he wanted to be his for eternity. Azura moaned as he made love to her, but she abruptly tried to stop him.

"Baby what’s wrong?" Tobias asked softly.

"We should have protection," she answered.

"Protection for what?"

"We can't bring a baby into this fake marriage," Azura replied.

"Fake!" Tobias said instantly becoming angry. "Fake! I'll show you fake," he said. His soft gentle strokes became more aggressive and Azura’s weak attempts to stop him were pointless. The sensation of his aggression and intense passion mixed with all of the conflicting emotions she held for him. He exploded deep inside of her and hoping with all his being that she would become pregnant this night. He didn't care about the consequences or the problems that may arrive. He would show her that this was not a fake marriage by being the man that she needed and wanted.

CHAPTER 4 ENRAPTURED

“I don't believe men change that damn easy,”she mumbles to herself as she follows him into the office.

Weeks passed since their tumultuous passion-filled wedding night.

Although they awoke in each other's arms, the euphoria soon ended, once she realized he exploded inside of her, without respecting her request for protection. She has not spoken to him since, opting to take a bedroom suite opposite of his. They are already living as estranged spouses.

Tobias hopes she will see things his way, but her stubbornness will not allow it. He gives her plenty space, making sure not to intrude on her days. His days are busy with business meetings and charity events, which are the only times he is allowed to touch her without starting a fight. Week three quickly turns into week four, and Tobias cannot take the awkward silence one more minute. Sitting across from her in the limo, on their way home, quickly becomes unbearable. Occasionally, he gets caught staring at her legs, breasts, or angelic face, only to be scolded with a demeaning glare.

"How long is this going to last?" Tobias finally spoke.

"I see nothing wrong." Azura says turning her face toward the

window.

"You're putting on this facade in public, but behind doors we don't even touch. Please, tell me that night meant more to you than just some means to an end."

"I am not your property. I could be pregnant right now".

"Then what? You're my wife. Would it be so horrible to have a child with your husband?" Tobias grits his teeth as the name Morgan resurfaces. Jealousy takes hold of him, and he begins losing his poise. The limo pulls into the mansion's driveway. He steps out first, and then offers his hand to Azura. As usual, she refuses, letting herself out of the limo and strutting past him. He follows her down the corridor to their suites. Knowing he is behind her, she pauses to ask why he is pursuing her.

"We need to talk," Tobias answers.

"When I'm ready," she replies.

"There will be no more of that crap." He scoops her up and takes her into his suite. She fights him, bitterly, but her kicks and punches do nothing to deter him from getting a moment alone with her. "We can fight all day, or we can talk like adults. Have it your way."

"This is no way to have a conversation with someone," Azura returned.

"You have had three weeks. I've been very patient with you, and I am not a patient man."

"You think you are so great, everyone loves you and thinks the sun sets on your very head, all because of money and prestige. Well, I'm not impressed."

"You think I care about all this? Prestige and money, what are they?"

"It's what you shoved in my father's face, and he tripped all over himself making me marry you."

"Azura, when I see you, you're all that I want; all that I think about throughout the day."

"You don't even know me!"

He places her feet on the floor, gently, and turns her to face him.

"Yes, when I see something I want, nothing gets in my way of obtaining it. But, you are not something. You are so much more.

When your father came to me, it pains me to admit, but I took advantage of a bad situation for my own personal desires."

"So, I have every right to be angry?"

"You could have said no. Why did you say yes?" His gaze pierces her soul, bringing her back to the first day she saw him. It was at a charity event, hosted by her family. Tobias Cavanaugh was their largest supporter, and everyone was grateful. For Azura, this was the first time she came face-to-face with the famous philanthropist.

Although she appeared less than disenchanted by his presence, her insides churned and screamed like a teenage groupie. This was the first time she experienced such a sensation, so when his gaze met hers, she bolted for the nearest exit.

"You seem like a good man," she said desperately seeking to end the conversation.

Tobias watches her squirm like a lost child seeking her mother, and he wants to hold her and let her know everything will be all right.

If only he could get close enough to her without having to fight off

an attack. Cautiously, he steps closer, causing her to freeze in a defensive way. "I'm not going to hurt you."

She deigns no reply, taking a huge step back.

A knock at the door pulls him from his focus. "Yes?" "Your requested meeting will begin, shortly," his office assistant, Shelby, reminds him.

"I will be there." His gaze remains upon Azura. "This is your home, every inch of it. You are right about one thing; no woman has ever denied me access to her heart, or her bed. I was too sure of myself when I presented you with this proposal. Never did I think you would say no, assuming you were like your sisters, happy to be married into a secure and comfortable lifestyle.

However, that is not you. You enjoy freedom too much to be pinned down, even if it's by the most wanted bachelor." He approaches her, again, taking her soft hands and pressing them to his lips. "I will not hold you prisoner. All that I ask is that you only sleep with me and me alone. If that becomes too much, then I will let you go."

"I'm not a slut," she said pulling her hands away from his lips.

"I...I didn't mean it like that."

"Really? It sure sounds like you see me as some sex-craved animal, willing to sleep with anything."

"No, my love, that’s not what I meant. You are the queen of this kingdom. Roam where-ever you like, build and create whatever your heart desires. Just please, at night, find solace with me in our suite. I wish to learn so much about you, you’re a mystery to me."

His heart pleads harder than his mouth, hoping she will agree.

"I don't want to be your sex slave."

"I'm not asking for you to be my sex slave. What I'm really asking is to be yours."

Her heart pounds, loudly, in her chest. She can feel moisture between her legs. Another new experience, entangled with an oddly pleasurable sensation. She nods in agreement, refusing to make eye contact with him. It is all he needs to become elated.

"After my meeting, the staff will come up to set up dinner for us on the balcony. I'm looking forward to learning more about you, and letting you learn all about me." He plants a tender kiss on her cheek and quickly leaves the room.

Azura sighs as she looks around the large suite. It is a mansion, all its own. Off to the side is a tempting Jacuzzi, ready to be dipped into. A large, walk- in closet, capacious enough to be an extra room, is only half filled with his clothes and shoes. The other half was prepared for her. The bathroom feels as if you can become lost in it, equipped with two private stalls and sinks. There will never be fighting, or waiting on each other to get dressed. The grand shower, with its numerous shower heads, obviously, can hold way more than just two people. Then, there is the tub, which you have to climb two steps to get into. As she walks around the suite, taking her time to absorb everything, she relaxes and even begins to look forward to seeing him, again. ♥ "How is the new bride?" Shelby struggles to conceal the jealousy in her voice.

"She will be alright...I pray," his last words trailed off.

"She's not your type," Shelby laughed.

"You know my type?" he snapped.

"I know what you like, and I know how to please you," she said seductively.

They come to a stop in front his office. "Let's not forget our place, Ms. Shelby. I'm not the man I was before," he walks into the meeting quickly changing his demeanor.

"I don't believe men change that damn easy," she mumbles to herself as she follows him into the office.

Tobias moves through the meeting agenda, quickly, cursing himself for making so many pointless topics, in an attempt to avoid his lustful cravings for Azura. He notices the tension coming from Shelby as the meeting comes to a close. It was a mistake to keep her as his assistant when he made the decision to take Azura as his wife. Shelby has been there for him, in many ways, for the past fifteen years. She just is not the type of woman you bring home to your mother. Money is her God, and she will sleep with any willing billionaire, in hopes he will grant her complete access to all his success and trappings. Along with enjoying the finer things in life, she seeks out swinger gatherings with the elite of their community, to gather dirt on every respected member of the community. However, she keeps this well-hidden from Tobias, quieting any rumors before it reaches his ears. What he does not realize is that she expected to become Mrs. Cavanaugh. Now that the title has gone to a woman less deserving, in her eyes, she struggles to contain her bitter rage.

"See you tomorrow, late afternoon. You can handle the a.m. meetings," Tobias does not wait for a response, exiting his office and quickly making his way back to his suite.

His heart wrenches at the sight of an empty suite. Assuming his spouse returned to her suite, his shoulders slump. Pausing in the

doorway for a moment, he debates on if he should tap on her door.

Her soft voice calls out to him, "I'm on the balcony.

Concealing his welcomed sigh, he rushes out to the balcony, smiling at the sight of her finally enjoying their home. "Have you eaten?" He tries to calm his nerves, afraid he will scare her off.

"No." She smiles and looks at him, causing him to forget his own question. For the first time, she makes eye contact with him and smiles. It is a small, yet powerful sign for him.

She takes a seat at the wrought iron table, picks up a napkin, and spreads it on her lap. Tobias quickly joins her, dumbfounded by her relaxed demeanor.

"How was your day?" He asks while lifting the covers off her plate, then his.

"Thank you, it was okay."

"Okay?"

"You have a very beautiful suite," she blushes, unsure of these new feelings she was feeling.

"Well, thank you, but it is yours, as well," he smiles while cutting into his steak.

"I'm sorry, I should have asked. How do you like your steak? Is it okay?"

Azura glances down at her medium well-cooked steak and remembers back to when she refused to eat cooked meat. A smile shines on her face as a warm memory replays in her mind, of her father finally convincing her to eat her steak cooked medium. It

was his way of meeting her half way. "It's fine."

"Please, I'll let the staff know, next time."

"It's fine, thank you."

"It's a lovely evening. Is there anything you would like to do tonight? Maybe, we can take a stroll around the mansion, or catch a movie somewhere," he makes suggestions between bites.

"That would be nice.

"So, tell me about yourself. I realize this should have been a question before the pre-nuptials, but better late than never."

She giggles, lightly. For the moment, their arrangement does not seem to bother her. His company is no longer annoying. "Well, what would you like to know?"

"How was it growing up in a house with six sisters?" he holds back his amused chuckle. Tobias grew up as an only child, and cannot imagine sharing anything with a sister or a brother.

"For me, it was hard...six different personalities. I had to get to know each of them in my own way."

Tobias finds her reply interesting, which spikes his curiosity, even more. "Being that you are the youngest, were they mean to you, or did you get spoiled?"

"Well, the sister right before me, Arlene, was protective over me, along with the oldest, Alana and Anna. But, Abigail would tease me a lot, calling me wolf-girl and picking on the way I spoke. Her twin, Ariel, would often join in. Alana or Arlene would usually come to my rescue. By then, I was backed into a corner, snarling at them."

"Snarling?" he is amused by her choice of words.

Azura instantly became defensive, mad at herself for opening up to him. She glares at him from across the table. "Yes, I snarled."

"I don't mean to laugh; it's just that snarling is what animals do?" he suddenly realizes that he is not making the situation any better.

"I'm sorry, did I offend you?"

Her silence answers his question. "Will you please accept my apology? The image you gave me was similar to an animal backed into a corner, ready to attack."

Azura jumps up and rushes toward the open balcony door, leading into the suite. Tobias quickly closes the distance between them, racing past her and throwing himself against the door. "Please, don't do this."

"You don't know me, or what I've been through!" her eyes fill with tears.

"I want to know you, and I want to understand you."

"Nobody understands me; everyone just wants me to do what they want. Fit in, Azura. Why do you have to be so weird? They should have left you to die, Azura!" she slumps down to the ground in painful sobs.

"Left you? Left you where?" his heart breaks at the sight of her tears. Tobias kneels down beside her and picks her up. "I will never leave you," he says carrying her to their bed.

Kicking off their shoes, he held her close and let her cry in his arms. Waiting patiently for her to speak again, an hour passes before her tears finally run out. She stays in his arms, like a small

child, staring blankly into thin air.

"I'm here for you. I won't leave you."

"They forgot me," she breathes, aloud. "I was just a baby, and they forgot about me."

"Who? Your sisters?"

"Everyone, all of them…And, when they got me back, they didn't want to deal with me."

"Who? Your parents?"

"We had a family vacation, when I was just two. Somehow, I became separated from my family. I was seven before I saw them, again."

His heart trembles at her words. "I'm so sorry," he kisses the top of her head. "But, I know your family loves you, very much. There’s no way they accepted that you were missing and just went about their days."

"Then why did it take them so long to find me?"

"I...I don't know, unfortunately. Have you spoken to them about this?"

"They don't know that I still remember."

"We can talk to them, together, if you like."

"No, no, I just want to remember her, again," she trails off.

"Remember who?" he whispers.

"My wolf mother," she answered. She sat up and looked down at him. "I spent five years of my life living with a wolf mother and her cubs. They didn't expect me to ever become a functioning member of society, also I'm a freak...have you ever met someone with eyes like this?" she said pointing to her eyes.

Tobias sat up in bed. Although what she had revealed to him was a lot to take in, he was not about to run from her now. "No. I have never met a girl, or anyone with eyes like yours, and they are so beautiful, why do you hide them behind shades. Anyway that's not important. Azura...I am your husband. I know this may be hard for you to accept but I want this marriage to work. I want us to grow old together. I don't care if you were raised by monkeys. I want you."

"Do you really mean that?"

"Yes," he said leaning over and kissing her soft lips.

CHAPTER 5 PASSION & LUST

“Do you realize what you are asking? Do you think this is a game, Mami?" Jason replied.”

She missed the sex they had and the spontaneous trips to exotic places, the look on other women's faces as she walked besides him on romantic dates as husband and wife. He was handsome and exotic, unlike any man she had ever dated before and she knew that she took their relationship for granted. Yet, she couldn't let go.

Shelby could not take her new role, as strictly an employee very well. She walks into the mansion's kitchen; grabs the prepared breakfast cart waiting to be delivered to Tobias' suite. The staff directly protests, but she threatens their jobs and they quickly retreat. Pushing the cart into the elevator, she presses the third floor button and ditches her outer garments. Wearing nothing but a matching red lingerie set, equipped with red stilettos, she eagerly awaits for the elevator doors to open. Shoving the cart out into the corridor, she struts her stuff toward her boss’ suite. She last remembered that Azura refuses to sleep in the same suite as Tobias, and convinced he is a sex starved and will be easy to seduce him

into having sex with her. Like most men, he wakes already hard.

All she needs to do is jump on top.

Gently pushing the door open, Shelby quietly rolls the cart into the center of the room. Turning to take a look at her prize, her mouth drops at the sight before her. Azura is sound asleep, snuggled against Tobias' chest, securely wrapped in his embrace. As she tiptoes out of the room, her rage bubbles over, and she spews an array of curse words on her way back to the elevator.

Seeing the happy couple should have deterred her from further attempts to seduce Tobias. It does not. She sits in his chair, wearing a short skirt suit, with her stiletto heels resting on his desk. It is almost three-o'clock and she attended all the early morning and afternoon meetings. She also took the liberty of clearing his late afternoon meetings; certain he would be busy with her the rest of the night.

Readjusting herself, she removes her G-string, tucking it into his top desk drawer. She prepares herself for him by spreading her thighs apart. Gliding her hands over her well-manicured pussy, she slips her fingers into her wetness. Soft moans escape her mouth as she gently rubs her clit. She imagines Tobias entering the room and finding her in this heated position. Without hesitation, he comes to her, falling to his knees and spreading her thighs farther apart. He covers her wet pussy with his mouth, using his tongue to seek out her clit. Her pulse quickens and her juices flow. The vision of him licking up her juices brings her to the brink of orgasm, when suddenly the office phone rings. Recognizing his cell number, she jumps up to answer it.

"How is the office?" he says sounding light- hearted.

"Oh, it's pretty lonely without you," she breathes heavily into the receiver.

"Is everything alright? You sound out of breath."

"No, everything is fine. I just jumped off of the treadmill."

"You're always staying fit, that’s great. How did the morning meetings go?"

"Great, everything is peachy."

"Well, good. Can you cancel all of my other appointments for the rest of the day? I'll be busy, away from the mansion."

"Are you sure? You have that business trip we need to plan," she says struggling to find a reason for him to come in.

"Yes, contact the pilot and let him know there will be three of us."

"Three?"

"Yes, my wife will be joining us. I will get you a room at a nearby hotel, and we will be staying at the cabin."

"This is a business trip. You really don't have time to play second honeymoon."

"I can hardly...hold on." Shelby listens, with jealousy bursting at her seams, as he speaks to Azura, lovingly. Apparently, she just woke up. "I have to go, Do as I say, or if this is too much for you, I will understand. I will be more than happy to find you another position, with another company. I will even help you relocate."

"That's not it. I just think…"

"We will talk about this later. I will check with the pilot later to confirm the flight status," he ends the call, without a further word.

Shelby slams the phone down onto its cradle. "You want to bring your precious little princess? Well, this will be the last vacation she goes on."

When a certain accident needs to be performed, there is only one man, Shelby can think of, to carry out such a vindictive mission.

She scrolls through the contact list on her cell phone, pulling up the number for Jason Cruz. He is a well-known businessman, with a few suspected under-handed deals. No one in town is quite sure what he is capable of, but Shelby knows.

"Jason?"

"Oh, you want some more, baby?" he greets her with vulgarity.

"Please. When can we meet? And, it's not what you think."

"Business before pleasure, I got you. I'm at the shop. Come on by, and leave your panties at home," he laughs, before hanging up.

Taking his last few words seriously, Shelby recovers her underwear and slips them back on, before leaving the office. She makes her way downtown to Jason's shop, and seeks him out. Jason's hands are covered in grease and dirt, from working on cars all morning.

He grins, displaying a mouth full of gold teeth. "What can I do for you, pretty lady?"

"Stop the bull. I need someone gone, and it can't be traced back to me."

"What's his name?" He groans, and rubs the top of his head and face, as he leans back in his chair.

"Azura Hanson."

"Hanson...you mean, the new Mrs. Cavanaugh?"

"No, I mean, the soon-to-be late Mrs. Cavanaugh."

"You're talking big money. I'm not going to do anything without serious padding."

"What are you asking?"

"Eight-hundred."

"Who do you think I am?" Shelby gasped.

"All right, four?"

"Really? Oh let me just write you a fake check," she remarked sarcastically.

"Do you realize what you are asking? Do you think this is a game, Mami?" Jason replied.

"Of course it's not a game, but I'm not asking you to kill the president. She is just some girl whom her own family barely wants to claim her. So no one is going to miss her." Shelby said folding her arms across her chest.

Jason fell silent, and then scribbled something on a piece of paper.

"Since you really are serious about this, follow these instructions to the letter, don't come back in here, and don’t call me. I will call you." He rips the paper out of the note book and hands it to her. He watches as she leaves his office. He then pulls out his cell phone and places a call.

"This better be a good one," a man with a gravelly voice answered on the other end.

"A real good one," Jason replied. "She's even delivering herself

with money," he laughed.

"How did you find this one?"

"She came to me," Jason replied.

"I guess you’re calling the shots on this one."

"We may have to drug this one to turn her out," Jason said lighting a cigarette.

"That's nothing new, let me know the pick up when you’re ready." he said before ending the call.

Jason placed his phone down on his desk and lean back in his chair as he enjoyed his cigarette. For the past three years he has been active in the human trafficking ring. He and his partner would capture women and sell them as either slaves to work in homes across America or sex slaves overseas. It was big business and showed no signs of stopping. ♥ Shelby careens through the traffic, hastily making her way across town to the local hardware store. She read Jason's note and although he came down considerable, she has no intention of working with him. She works out a diabolical plan as she drives, narrowly missing a few collisions. Pulling into the parking lot of George's Hardware, she sits in her car thinking out her plan. "If I run in there, purchasing rope and duct tape, it will be obvious. This has to be done by someone else. But, who?" she whispers. ♥ "An early evening dinner in the garden, wow!" Azura smiles.

"I'm glad you are enjoying it," Tobias replies from his seat across

from her. He admires the beautiful setting at the solid cement table with round benches. He pauses for a moment and stares at her.

"What?" She giggles and squirms under the alluring heat of his hazel eyes.

"Can I ask a personal question?"

"That depends." She moves the food around on her plate, with her fork.

"Our wedding night, when I came back to the room, there was something different about you," He said choosing his words, wisely, careful not to upset their evening together.

She drops her fork and places her hands in her lap. Nervously, she looks down and around, as if seeking an escape route. "I don't know what you mean."

"We don't have to talk about it, if you don't want to." He says gently. "It's nothing to be ashamed of, it was beautiful. I wake every morning, replaying that night in my mind."

"There’s something..." she pauses, not wanting to think about her struggles for control each time she becomes angry. Recently, she feels this sexual energy rising to the surface each time her eyes meet his. "It's not something I am proud of."

"Why?" he moves closer to her, losing complete interest in the dinner.

"What did my sisters tell you? What have you learned about me?"

"Nothing much, just that they love you very much, and only want the best for you," he lies, not wanting to make her feel uncomfortable about how much they insisted he marry her. Tobias

wanted to court her first, like a respectable gentleman. However, her family insisted he go along with their elaborate farce.

"They worry about me. I know they think I cannot care for myself.

They're afraid I will revert to living like some sort of wild animal."

Azura stands and wraps her arms around herself.

"Are you cold?" he quickly offers her his shirt.

"No, I'm fine," she lightly places her hand on his chest, stopping him from lifting his shirt.

Goosebumps arise on his skin, under her fingertips. He grabs her hand and brings it to his lips. "They are very wrong about you. You are a strong and capable woman."

"Thank you," she blushes and pulls her hand back.

"Tell me more about your wolf-mother?" he asks admiring the peace that covered her when she spoke of time living among wolves She looks out at the lake, beyond the rose garden. The swans seem to soothe her as they swim, peacefully. "I don't remember much, I was young. What I do remember is being fed and kept alive by wolves. I guess if I were older, I would have been frightened.

Maybe, that is what saved me. I have no idea why she took me in, instead of killing me and feeding me to her offspring." Tobias cringes at her words. "I learned everything about love and family through them, then, in one swift moment, it was all taken away."

She sighs, turning her head as a tear rolls down her cheek. "When I was returned to my human family, I could see they wanted to accept me. But, they could not understand me, or the way I see things."

Tobias takes her hand, nudging her down a garden path, as she

continues to speak. "I didn't know anything. My father flew in the best private counselors money could buy. Within three years, I was suitable enough to enter private school. Although I was rebellious, no one was any wiser about my childhood." She pauses to catch her breath and smell a rose nearby. "I think, living as a human among wolves, I learned to observe on a very deep level. I watched my mother and sisters scream and fuss about everything. And, when father came home, they waited on him, hand and foot. I was such a tomboy, and I think it caused a lot of problems. Because my sisters picked on me, I truly hated everything they represented.

They spent days and nights dreaming about who they would marry, what kind of wives they would be, how many kids they would have, and all the frilly pink things that come along with that life.

By the time I entered high school, I'd had enough of watching my sisters marry jerks who would flirt with me every chance they got."

"Which ones? Who?" Tobias asked jealously.

"Oh, I don't want any trouble," she giggles, amused by his response.

"I'm sorry; you must know I've wanted you since the day I laid eyes upon you," he confessed.

"Wha- really?" she says fumbling on her words. His confession run through her, sending shivers down her spine. "I had never experienced anything like this before," she whispers.

"Didn't you date in high school?" he question, then the name Morgan resurfaced again in his mind.

"No. High school does not hold the best memories."

"Why not?"

Azura comes to a stop and looks him, squarely, in the eyes.

"Everyone assumed I was a lesbian."

Tobias' mouth falls open as the typical male fantasy plays out in his mind. "What gave them that idea?"

"All of the women in our house wear skirts and dresses...you have no idea what took place for them to get me into that awful wedding dress."

"Awful? You looked breathtaking in it."

"Yeah, well, that is the first time my sister got me into a dress without finding me naked somewhere, minutes later." She softly laughs to herself as they continue to walk.

"Seriously? You hate dresses that much?"

"I'm just not that type of person."

"But, that doesn't mean you’re a lesbian."

"I had a lot of lesbian friends, because they understood me. I played a lot of sports, because it felt great being outdoors, and active." She thinks back to her positive, high-school memories, remembering why she chose certain sports, such as soccer and powder-puff football. Exertion burned up the sexual energy boiling over inside her. Unfortunately, when she stopped, it came back twice as strong.

"Teens enjoy the gossip train; that’s all it was."

"At the prom, I refused to have my date pick me up and be a part of traditional limo parade. I also refused to wear a dress, opting for a tux. My date showed up, but with another date. Then, he went on to tell everyone I was indeed a lesbian, and that I was only using him to fool my parents."

Tobias pauses, and takes her hand. "I'm sorry for everything you went through."

"It's not all your fault," Azura smiles. "Sometimes, late at night, I would sneak outside and howl..." Tears began to flow down her cheeks. Tobias pulls her into his arms. "I wanted to be back where I felt safe and comforted. I wanted to be back with my pack."

Tobias kisses the places where her tears fall, consoling her. The heat between them rises, and passion consumes them both. Taking her by the hand, he leads her back to their suite and royal, kingsized bed. "I won't force you to do anything you don't want to," he says nervous she might change her mind, or feel pressured by his persistent cravings for her.

"I don't want to think right now." Tears continue flowing from her eyes, as years of suppressed pain pours out of her.

"Please, let me heal you," he slips his hand under her chin, kissing her soft lips.

He removes both of their clothes. Tobias lifts her shapely frame and lays her on the bed. Her long, dark, brown hair cascades around her. He kisses her from her lips down to her belly button, pausing over her moist pussy. Spreading her thighs apart, he runs his hot tongue between her lips. A groan escapes her as he glides over her clit. Back and forth, he rubs his tongue over her clit, bringing her to the edge of orgasm. His cock, hard and throbbing, aches to be inside her. Grabbing hold of it, he slowly stuffs it inside her tight pussy. Her nails claw his skin as they make love.

While their bodies fall into a hypnotic rhythm, he softly whispers loving words into her ear, "Let's be our own pack. You’re all the woman I need and desire. Making love to you is beyond a dream come true." Azura cries. Never before has she felt these emotions that elate and frighten her. "Let me heal you," he continues. They

ride into ecstasy deepening their connection and love.

CHAPTER 6 AZURA’S HAPPINESS

“You are genuine, and I feel you won't deceive me.”

The conversation between Jason and Shelby played in his head. He had overheard everything and could not believe his ears. He knew that his boss was dirty but not to this extent. Although Morgan Judd did not hear the entire conversation, he had heard enough. He had to warn Azura, but now that she lived in that fortress there would be no way he would be able to get a message through to her, unless he had help. He parked his car hastily in the lavish drive way of her parent’s home and marched right up to the front door and rang the bell.

"Morgan Judd, what are you doing here?" Amelia Hanson answers the front door.

"Mrs. Hanson...I thought you were sick?" Morgan said startled.

"What do you want, Morgan?" Amelia questions impatiently as she realizes Azura must have confided in him the reason she is

marrying so quickly.

"How can I get a hold of Azura?" He asks, breathless.

"Morgan, you know she is married to Tobias Cavanaugh."

"Azura is in danger, Mrs. Hanson."

"Danger?" Ameila looked at him with unbelieving eyes.

"I'm not joking or trying any game Mrs. Hanson," Morgan insisted.

"Danger? Okay, come in, come in." She hurries him, stepping aside so he can enter. "Now, please, tell me what’s going on with Azura."

Morgan told everything he overheard by ease dropping on his boss’s conversation earlier. And prayed that she believed him...

"My goodness, are you alright? Are you sure it's safe for you to be working there?" Amelia questioned.

"I didn't believe my boss is the terrible, drug-dealing, hit-man everyone assumes he is. I know that he is dishonest, but this...

They were arguing over the price, he was asking for a lot." Morgan replied.

"Yes, sweetie, but are you sure you will be okay?" she asked, looking directly into his eyes.

"I just want Azura to be safe and happy, that’s all." Morgan said as he tried to avoid eye contact with Amelia.

"All these years and you've never said anything," she mumbles.

"You're in love with my daughter."

"No, it's not like that. Well, yes, I love Azura, but not that way," he

lied, feeling embarrassed.

"Why didn't you say anything?" Amelia picks up a nearby phone to notify her husband.

"Please, just tell me where she is so she can be warned," Morgan pleaded.

"Yes, dear, where are you?" She breaks from their conversation to speak with her husband. "Well, can you come home, as soon as possible? Something has come up." She ends the call and places the phone back on its base. "My husband and I will handle things from here. Don't worry, Azura will be fine."

Realizing she will not give him any more information, he drops his head in frustration. "Okay."

Amelia walks Morgan to the door in silence.

"I am truly grateful for all you have done; being Azura's friend all these years, and warning us of this danger. Thank you."

"It's my pleasure," Morgan steps out of the house.

"And, please keep what you've seen here between us." Amelia requested.

"I really don't want to get involved, but why did you lie to her?"

Morgan couldn't help but ask the troubling question.

"Please, don't question our parenting decisions. We know how to deal with our daughter. I don't need to be judged."

"I did not mean it in a disrespectful way, I just can't understand...why."

"Please leave."

Morgan does not hesitate as he leaves their property. He vows to seek out Azura and tell her everything, on his own. Pulling into the nearest gas station, he throws his car into park next to a phone booth. Grabbing the attached phone book, he searches through the advertisements, looking for one of Tobias' companies. All the while, grumbling to himself for being so angry he did not take the time to hear Azura out, when she came to him about the arrangement between her and her now husband. Everyone knows this guy; it cannot be too difficult to find out where he lives. His cell phone rings, and it's his uncle, so he begrudgingly answers.

"Uncle, I really don't have time to hear another one of your schemes."

"Scheme?" his uncle shrieks back at him.

"Uncle..."

"Tobias Cavanaugh doesn't think my business is a scheme!"

"What? What was that name?"

"Are you really that dumb?

"No, it's just..."

"I had a meeting planned with him this afternoon, but he rescheduled it for tomorrow morning, first thing." "First thing!"

"Really?"

"Oh, now you're excited. Well, I need a ride, and I am considering you my partner, if you’re interested. I don't like you working for that guy. You really need to start thinking about your future. You deserve a classy broad, and she's not going to want a grease

monkey."

"Uncle, being an automotive technician is a good career."

"Is that what the young bucks are calling it now?" He chuckles in the background.

"I will be happy to take you."

"Great, pick me up at seven. Breakfast is on me." ♥ Albert Hanson leans back in the desk chair of his private home office. His wife sits adjacent him. She just finished filling him in on the conversation she had with Morgan Judd. Albert ponders over everything, carefully. "I don't know who this Shelby is; maybe a bitter ex. Azura is very safe where she is. Isn't that why we choose him?"

"Yes, dear, but Morgan seems pretty upset about it."

"Morgan is just bitter for not having the balls to stand up and be a man, get a real job, and be someone I could have trusted to care for my daughter."

"Albert, he's been her best friend since high school. Yes, he may not be the richest man in Florida, but he certainly is a good man."

"You know what we have to deal with, concerning Azura. I really don't think Morgan can handle her," Albert protests.

"And, Tobias can?"

"I haven't heard any complaints. Besides, he loves her."

"So does Morgan. But, what’s done is done."

"Don't worry about this. I'll speak with Tobias and let him know about the situation," Albert simply wants to end the uncomfortable topic.

"Which situation dear? The thing with this Shelby character, or the fact that we lied and manipulated our daughter into marrying a man she barely knows?" Amelia makes her point.

"We will not discuss this again. You know she would not have married anyone, if you have not made it your dying wish."

"It is my dying wish, but not like this." She breaks out into sobs as she leaves the room.

Albert sighs; he knows his wife is right. She does not want to lie to her daughter, but they believe Azura will never understand their reason for wanting her to be married. He picks up his office phone and calls Tobias' cell phone. His heart lightens at the sound of his daughter laughing in the background as Tobias answers. "Well, good evening, Mr. Hanson." Tobias sounds joyful.

"Sounds as if things are going well."

"Yes, we are getting ready to go on a business slash mini vacation.

We leave this weekend."

"Wow, that’s great!" He is relieved his daughter is not in danger.

Still, he feels he should inform Tobias, just in case. "Well, the reason..."

"Hold on sir, someone wants to say hi."

"Sure, no problem."

"Hi, Daddy," Azura greets her father.

"Hello, baby. How are you doing? You sound a lot better than the last time we saw you. "I am, Daddy. I'm sorry for being upset. How is Momma?"

"Oh, she's doing fine, sweetie. Doctors are saying she may pull through, we just need to be positive."

"And, keep praying?"

"Yes, angel, keep praying." Guilt explodes in his gut. He must escape the conversation, quickly. "Well, I won't bug you with how much we miss you. Enjoy your trip and tell your husband to call me as soon as he's free."

"I will, Daddy. Love you."

"I love you too, sweetie." Albert places the phone on the cradle and weeps, quietly. He only wants the best for his daughter. Yet, fears he and his wife will leave this world worried sick there will be no one to love and care for their daughter. Even more important, she needs someone who understands her condition. ♥ "What did your father say?" Tobias takes the phone back from his wife.

"He said to have you call him when you're free."

"Then it must not be important, which gives me more time to torture you. Okay, this is the last time I'm doing this, I look ridiculous." He laughs.

For the past hour, they laughed and joked about old-school dance moves. Tobias performed the running man and cabbage patch,

causing Azura to fall to the floor in hilarious tears. He would do it all day if he had to, just to keep that smile on her face. He performed it again, Azura laughed so hard, she struggled to breathe. Tobias laughs as he scoops her into his arms and twirls her around the room. He gently places her feet back on the floor and kisses her neck. "I love seeing you like this."

"Why?" she asks, playfully.

"You’re so happy. That's all I want and need to see."

She turns in his embrace and looks up into his handsome face. His hazel eyes sparkle, and she finds herself admiring his lips, perfect white teeth, the color of his skin, the shape of his nose, and the softness and color of his hair.

"See something you like?" he asks, softly.

She blushes, realizing she is staring at him without saying a single word. "Yes." "I see something I like, too."

"Really?"

"Yes, really."

"What is it?" she continues the playful line of questioning.

"A gorgeous, deep caramel beauty wrapped around me."

"What do you think our children will look like?"

His heart and mind race with questions. "Do you think you are pregnant?"

"It's just a question."

Tobias forces his body to relax, not wanting to frighten her with his anxiousness. He is ready, and eager to bring life into this world with her. "If it's a girl, I pray she looks just like her momma, with bright, blue eyes, deep caramel skin, lustrous hair, and a captivating smile," he looks deep into her eyes.

"If it's a boy, I want him to look just like his father. You're so bold and handsome, it's no wonder my sisters get all silly about you."

"They do?" He blushes. "So, why did you ask that question?"

"We both have such a mixed background, I think it's beautiful. It just makes me wonder how interesting our children will look."

"They will be beautiful, because they came from us. Are you against us making one?"

"Not anymore." She knows it no longer matters, since she is already pregnant. Since she has not seen her cycle, she privately took a pregnancy test. Only one house staff member knows about it and vows to keep her secret. At the time, she was not ready to become a mother, and did not plan to keep the child. So much has changed since then, and now all she can think about is becoming a mother, for the first time. Her mind fantasizes on what it will be like to raise a child with Tobias. She enjoys those daydreams, and looks forward to each time they make love. The connection between them has intensified, immensely, in such a short amount of time.

"Soon, it will be me and you, alone in a cabin, under some blankets, beside a warm fire." He kisses her lips.

"I can't wait." Azura smiles.

"Neither can I. Wyoming is beautiful this time of year."

"I've never been to Wyoming. My parents kept me home a lot."

"Well, now we will travel as often as you like."

"What business are you doing there?"

"I'm really trying to entertain some Japanese investors. If everything goes well, and they want to do business with my company, it will be great."

"I've always wanted to start a business. My parents wouldn't let me, saying it would be too much pressure."

"It can be stressful, but very rewarding." He pulls her closer. "If you want to start a business, I fully support you and your dream."

Azura blushes. She has never felt a love like this. It seems to sooth the beast inside of her. "I guess my parents were right in choosing you."

"Why do you say that?"

"You are genuine, and I feel you won't deceive me." She rests her head on his chest. Guilt of what he is hiding tears at him. How is he going to continue facing her with the weight of that guilt on his shoulders? Making the final decision to come clean was painful, but first, he must speak with Mr. Hanson, so they can prepare for Azura's reaction to the situation. Of course, it will have to wait until after their trip. Tobias does not want to ruin the happy adventure waiting them.

"Why don't we leave now," Tobias questioned.

"Now? Right Now?" Azura laughed.

"Yes, we can have a few days to ourselves," Tobias smiled. "So what do you say?"

"Yes!" Azura smiled joining in on his enthusiasm.

"Pack! Get dressed my love. I'm going to make some calls," he kissed her lips then left their room.

CHAPTER 7 WHEN STRANGERS MEET

“Shelby looked up into his handsome face, "Yea let’s have some fun," she grinned.”

Tobias made his way to the second floor of the mansion where his office was located. He rushed in and went directly to his planner. He realized he had an early morning appointment with Adam Judd, an inventor and scientist. He remembered his business plan and liked what he saw. "Would it kill me to just give him the deal he's asking for?" Tobias spoke out load. His father had always taught him to the most he can out of any business venture, however, Tobias wasn't interested in how his father did business.

He sat down at his desk and proceeded to make notes for Shelby.

He called the pilot and flight manager and requested the jet be ready to go as soon as possible. He then notified his butler and began to return to his bedroom suite to help his wife pack and to get himself ready. He paused thinking about the meeting he would not be attending in the morning. He wanted to make sure that Adam Judd would be notified. He realized he would have to call Shelby, and make sure she was aware of his new plans.

Something he was avoiding. He became angry with himself

knowing it was a mistake still keeping her around. The deeper in love he fell for Azura the more he wanted to distance himself from Shelby, but he felt responsible for her. If it wasn't for him she would not have the comfortable life she is enjoying today. ♥ "I will pay you ten thousand each to kidnap this girl, beat her up and dump her unconscious body in the river somewhere," Shelby spoke quietly to the gentlemen seated across from her. It wasn't easy to find someone to take her seriously, but eventually one person would lead her to another, that eventually led her to a rundown bar on the wrong side of town. The two men she was now talking to were named John and Eddie.

"Twenty," John finally spoke after a few minutes of listening to Shelby babble on.

"That's what I said. Ten for you ten for him," Shelby replied.

"No! Twenty each. We kidnap, beat her up and dump her somewhere, but we are not murderers."

"I never said you had to murder her, I just implied that if it happened, it’s okay," she returned.

"Twenty each or go find someone else," they began to leave.

Shelby's cell phone rang. "Excuse me for a minute," she said realizing it was Tobias' number. She left the table quickly to answer the phone. "Hello?" she answered hoping he had a change of heart.

"Shelby, there has been a change of plans... My wife and I are leaving for Wyoming in a few hours. I left a note on my desk for you. Tell Adam Judd that I accept his offer and I look eager to working with him." Tobias informed her.

"You’re leaving now?" she spoke slowly, realizing her plans would have to change also.

"Yes, well, you will be joining us on Sunday," Tobias added. "Have a nice night and sorry for calling you so late," he said then hung up.

Shelby slumped her shoulders and looked down at the pavement.

"There's no other way," she mumbled to herself. "He's falling for her, and I can't lose him." Getting the money together for Jason and waiting on his call on Tuesday would be her only hope to get Tobias back. She didn't even bother to go back into the bar and let the two men know she had changed her mind. She simply walked to her car, got in, and drove away. Just knowing that Azura was enjoying the life she almost had with Tobias was too much to bear.

The only thought that brought her comfort is seeing Azura's dead body. ♥ "It's about a four hour flight." Tobias said as they entered the luxury jet. "We can watch a movie, have some champagne and just relax," he suggested to his wife.

"Sure, that sounds nice," Azura replied nervously.

"Is everything alright?" he questioned noticing her apprehension.

"Oh my goodness, honey are you afraid of flying?"

"I-I don't know," she laughed nervously. "Maybe?" She shrugged her shoulders.

"Honey, come here, you have nothing to worry about," he said taking her hand and leading her to a nearby seat. He sat her down and motioned to the stewardess to bring them some refreshments.

"When I was a little boy, my father and uncle would travel a lot.

My uncle lived in a town called Lexington, it's far west of Orlando.

My father and uncle would fly back and forth from Trinidad to

New York, weekly. Well my cousins would travel with them occasionally and I was scared of flying. My father had to force me on most flights until one day. My older cousin Maxwell pulled me aside. He was seated near a window, and he told me to look out at the wing of the plane. I did and he said do you see?" Tobias paused, and looked at his wife who was hanging on his every word; he loved it and almost forgot where he was going with his story. The stewardess came back with a tray of crackers, exotic cheeses, and a bottle of wine. She placed it on a small table besides them and walked away.

"See what?" Azura asked.

"He told me to relax and look out the window and I will see an angel sitting on the wing. He told me that there was an angel at each wing and more on standby. And if anything should go wrong that they will come and lift the plane up and keep us safe," Tobias finished.

"Did you see them?" Azura questioned in amazement.

"No," Tobias laughed. "But, I felt at peace with what he told me." he smiled at his wife enjoying her childlike innocence. "Do you feel at peace?"

Azura sat quiet for a moment then glanced out the window. "Yes, yes I do," she turned her head back to face him and smiled.

"Good," he leaned over and kissed her lips. He wanted so badly to tell her that he loved her, but a foolish fear stopped him from forming the words, and he pulled away.

Azura tilled her head to the side and observed his odd behavior.

She could feel that he wanted to express himself more, but was unsure. "You have nothing to fear with me," she said to him as she gently placed her hand on his knee.

Her touch sent shivers up his spine. He could not believe he had found someone who could make him feel this way and he had no clue if it was right or wrong to feel so much love for someone so soon. "You’re very perceptive. Maybe I should have you with me at all my meetings to help me sort these characters out," he half joked. "I would be happy to," Azura answered with a smile.

"Well you’re turning out to be the ultimate woman," Tobias replied looking deep into her eyes.

"Why did you do it? Why did you marry a stranger?" Azura asked.

"I was staring at you, at a local charity event. I was going to speak with you, but you disappeared. Later that night my parents approached me." Guilt struck him again and he desperately needed to change the topic. "When he agreed to help Azura's parents he was not thinking with his head, but a lot further south. He wanted her and that was all he knew.

Azura looked at her husband and smiled. She wanted to tell him that he was going to be a father, but the words wouldn't materialize. She turned her head and looked back out the window.

Maybe another time she thought. ♥ Morgan couldn't rest all he could think about was the danger that Azura was in. It was now three in the morning. He couldn't take it, he jumped out of bed and decided to go down to his favorite bar and play a little pool. Normally that would take his mind off of his problems. He dressed and left his one bedroom apartment for a rundown bar at the edge of town. He parked his car, grabbed his pool stick and began walking towards the bar when he froze.

"There she is?" Jason whispered to himself.

Just a few feet away was Shelby speaking on the phone with someone. He couldn't hear what she was saying, but she didn't

seem happy about the news. The call ended and she slumped her shoulders and pulled out her car keys. Morgan wanted to find out why she was placing a hit on Azura, so he had to act fast.

"Hey beautiful," he greeted approaching her.

Shelby turned to see a handsome dark hair; blue eyed man walking towards her. He wore a plain dark blue t-shirt, jeans and work boots. She was immediately attracted to him, but all she wanted was Tobias.

"What’s a beautiful woman like you doing around here so late at night, it’s dangerous here." Morgan said coming to a stop before her.

"I guess I'm lost," Shelby lied.

"Lost? Well do you mind some help?" Morgan asked.

"I don't know if I'm ready to call it a night just yet," Shelby began to flirt back.

"Well let’s have a little fun," Morgan smiled.

Shelby looked up into his handsome face, "Yea let’s have some fun," she grinned.

"This place just doesn't seem like the kind of spot for a classy lady like you; maybe we can go somewhere else?" Morgan suggested.

Shelby only had one thing in mind. Since Tobias ended their relationship, she had been sexually starved and playing with her toys had become frustrating. She wanted a real man; a warm body and this one seem just perfect. "We live in Orlando, there's nothing classy open now," she paused and looked down at her phone. "It's going to be four a.m. soon. Why don't you follow me to my place?

And we can have our own little party there." she suggested.

"Sounds like a plan," Morgan replied.

Shelby pulled out a tube of red lipstick and grabbed Morgan's arm.

She wrote down her cell number on his fore arm and then admired his physic for a moment. "Just in case you get lost, that’s my cell," she said looking up at him.

"I'm parked right around the corner, the black Charger," Morgan said with a smile. She was too easy, he struggled to hide his excitement, going to her place was perfect, he would be able to get all of the information he needed, he was sure of it.

"I'm the red BMW, right there," Shelby said pointing to a car behind her.

"Red, hmmmm" Morgan teased as he gently touched her red hair.

Shelby giggled, "Yes, red is my color, but please call me Shelby."

"Sure. My name is Morgan."

"Shall we?" Shelby said stepping back and placing her closed lipstick back in her purse.

"Certainly," Morgan agreed.

They both went to their cars and about forty minutes later they were entering Shelby's condo. It was a beautiful condo on the more established part of town. Her home was well kept and filled with elaborate art and expensive pieces. On her walls she had pictures of Tobias accepting different awards and participating in different charity events. It didn't take long for Morgan to figure her out. She had some sort of fixation on Tobias, but then a small picture on the coffee table caught Morgan's attention. He began to move closer to it while Shelby babbled on about meaningless things, but she quickly moved ahead of him grabbing all the scattered pictures, placing them in a file, and shoving them in a packed suit case that sat on her couch.

"I'm sorry, I have an upcoming business trip I'm leaving for on Monday," she smiled, but Morgan could see she was not excited

about it. "Well, sit down, and relax. I'm going to get something for us to drink."

Morgan smiled at her seductively then stepped closer to her. He leaned down and kissed her lips. "Take your time, I will be right here," he said then he sat down on the couch beside her suit case.

Shelby smiled then left the room for the kitchen. Morgan didn't waste time opening her suitcase and pulling out the file. He gasped at the explicit pictures of Shelby and Tobias together intimately.

They all seemed to be recent, but he was not sure. Now he knew that Shelby was intimate with Tobias, he had a better understanding of why she wanted Azura dead. He placed the file back into the suitcase then asked himself, "Why would you take these photos on a business trip?"

Shelby reentered the room with her arms filled with a variety of hard liquor. Morgan jumped into action and helped her place the bottles down on the coffee table. He opened a bottle of rum and poured shots for Shelby and himself. They down their shots quickly then smiled at each other. There was an awkward silence, so Morgan found it a good time to ask her a question. He glanced at all the pictures on the wall of Tobias. "Are you a fan?" Morgan asked.

"Oh, no, well...He's my boss," Shelby blushed, feeling embarrassed.

"Oh you work for this guy?" Morgan said surprised.

"Yes, for some time now," Shelby said pouring herself another shot.

"Well you must be a proud employee, I don't know anyone who has pictures of their boss displayed in their home," Morgan replied.

Shelby grew more embarrassed as she down another shot. "You would think he'd appreciate it," she grumbled as she moved pass Morgan and stared at one of the pictures on her wall. "That tie he's

wearing in this picture," she pointed to one of the pictures. I'm the one who picked out that suit and tie for the charity he was attending that day." She glared at the picture intensely. "That’s the day everything changed for me. The day he saw her...the day his parents put crap in his head!" Shelby said exploding into an angry rage and throwing the shot glass across the room slamming it into the wall.

Morgan put down his shot glass and took her into his arms. "I may not be what you want, but I am what you need right now!" he said.

He kissed her while he unbuttoned her blouse.

Shelby didn't protest she wanted someone to make her forget Tobias' touch. They removed each other's clothes and Morgan lifted her and placed her on the dining room table. He had pulled out a condom from his wallet earlier while their clothes were being removed. He looked down at her naked body and imagined it was Azura. His cock became harder and he rolled the condom on. He closed his eyes only picturing Azura as he slipped his cock into Shelby.

Shelby groaned with excitement as Morgan pumped his cock in and out of her. She also imagined that it was Tobias as she leaned forward and enjoyed every minute of the wildly intense sex they were having.

CHAPTER 8 THE PREMONITION

“Shelby looked up into his handsome face, "Yea let’s have some fun," she grinned.”

A few hours later, Shelby woke to the sound of her cell phone ringing. Morgan was gone, but he left her a note with his number.

She of course crumbled it up and threw it in the garbage. Her cell phone rang again and she cursed the person calling her at six in the morning, however after seeing Jason's name on her caller ID she answered immediately.

"Hello?" Shelby answered.

"Do you have the money?" Jason asked.

"I have half," Shelby replied sternly.

"Hey I didn't ask for half," Jason snapped.

"Well let me tell you how this works. You get half now and the rest when the job is finished." Shelby returned.

Jason knew she was right; however, he had other plans, and hoped

she wouldn't come to her senses completely. "Fine!"

"There's another thing," Shelby added.

"What?"

"Tobias and that tramp are in Wyoming. I have the address to the cottage where they are staying and also the code to enter the cottage," Shelby informed him.

"That's even better. Have it ready and with the money. Meet me at the shop in an hour," Jason said then ended the call. ♥ It was now eight in the morning on a perfect Friday; a blanket of fresh white snow covers the cozy luxury cottage and the surrounding area. A deer stood off in the distance watching Tobias as he helped his wife out of the rental car. He had insisted they be left alone for the weekend and on Monday they would check into the luxury hotel in town. Tobias held his wife's hand as they walked on the path way towards the cottage.

"Oh this is beautiful and so quiet," Azura commented as they made it to the front door.

He punched in a security code that unlocked the door. "Remind me to have the code changed tomorrow," Tobias said to his wife as he opened the door.

"Okay," Azura answered anxious to see inside. She gasped as they entered the cottage. The smell of homemade food filled the air.

She walked down the short steps from the foyer into the living room. The fire place was lit and the house was at a comfortably inviting temperature.

Tobias began to remove her heavy winter coat and his. "I had the local staff hire a crew to come in and prepare the cottage for us and cook us a hot meal."

"It smells wonderful," Azura said entering the kitchen. Her eyes lit up as a fun thought crossed her mind. "Do you know how to cook?" Azura asked turning to face her husband.

"I have no clue where the kitchen is in the mansion so," he laughed.

Azura laughed along with him. "Well my mom insisted that we girls learn, and it was something that I did enjoy. Let me cook for you this weekend, it will be great!"

"Are you sure?" Tobias asked.

"Yes," she smiled. She stood for a moment and admired his handsome face. "I had no clue I would feel this way about you," she said moving closer to him. Her spirit was opening up to him like a lotus flower and the love that she now had for him flowed like and endless fountain. "I thought that I would be miserable, that we would just be some sort of public show piece," she said wrapping her arms around him, and burying her head in his chest.

Tobias wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.

"Let's eat breakfast then go to bed," Azura said with a giggle in her voice as she looked up at him.

"Why not," Tobias smiled taking her hand and leading her to the dining room. The food was still warm and they sat down to enjoy a full breakfast. After eating they showered together then spent the rest of the day in bed watching television and talking about their life experiences. Neither knew who fell asleep first, but for a few hours they enjoyed restful slumber within each other's arms.

Azura was enjoying her rest when her light hearted dream became

dark and sinister. In the dream she found herself bound and gagged in a dark place. Her head throbbed as if she had been hit in the head. She could see the outline of another women close by, she also appeared to be bound and gagged. A bang was heard and Azura jumped.

"Honey!" Tobias called to Azura waking her from her sleep. "Are you okay?" he questioned. "Maybe you’re too hot," he said more to himself than to Azura as he pulled the blankets back.

"Tobias, I had a weird dream," Azura finally spoke as she sat up in the bed.

"What did you dream?"

I was tied up, my head hurt, and there was this other women there with me too and she was tied up also, but she wasn't moving. I don't think she was dead, but..."

"It was just a dream, sweetie. Maybe we stayed in bed too long or something," he suggested.

"Yea...maybe," Azura replied, but the dream was still unsettling to her. "It felt so real," she added.

"Maybe it's a repressed fear?" he suggested.

"Could be," she whispered.

"Is there anything that I can do to make it better?" Tobias said admiring his wife's breast as she wore a loose fitting tank top and panties. In the commotion of her dream, one of her breast had slipped out and it was taunting Tobias. He gently placed his mouth over her nipple and began to suck gently. Azura enjoyed the sensation he was giving her. She gently ran her fingers through his soft hair. She moved her hand to run down his bare back and

slipping them under his sleeping trunks, then over his firm butt.

"Tobias..." Azura groaned.

"I'm here honey," Tobias said standing up to remove his pants.

Azura pulled off her clothes and spread her legs eager for her husband to enter. She slid her hands down to her pussy and gently tapped it. Tobias was amazed at how much she turned him on. He climbed back on the bed and dove into his wife. He kissed her lips as they made love.

"Honey, there's something that I have to tell you," Azura whispered in his ear.

"What is it?" Tobias mumbled lost in the passion of love.

"I'm pregnant," the words seem to float out of her mouth, but Tobias heard every word.

"What?!" Tobias blurted, his eyes began to water and joy exploded from his heart.

"Yes..." Azura cried overjoyed by his reaction.

Tobias held his wife tightly and they both cried. He had no clue he would feel this way over hearing the news. They made love again then fell asleep in each other's arms. ♥ It was after one in the morning when Jason made it to cottage in Wyoming. The cottage was in a perfectly secluded area. He wouldn't have to worry about neighbors, and there was no security guards keeping watch. After his partner and him kidnapped Shelby, they loaded her in the back of a van while his partner Duke

was driving to Miami. It was there that they planned to meet with a buyer. If he liked what he saw he would purchase the girls for a very handsome price. Jason and Duke had been doing this for over four years and they had no intention of stopping despite the risk because it paid very well.

Jason walked quietly towards the cottage. As a precaution, he walked all around the house, and through the bedrooms sliding glass door he could see Tobias and Azura's bodies entwined. Jason cursed under his breath. It was going to be harder than he thought.

He made it back to the front door then entered in the code that Shelby had given him with the money. The door unlocked and he entered quietly.

He pulled out a hand held dart gun, shooting Tobias first and Azura after. He put his dart gun away, tied Azura's arms and legs and placed duct tape over her mouth. He then wrapped Azura in a blanket and swung her over his shoulder. He took one last look at Tobias to make sure he was not conscious then left the cottage. He dumped her body in the back of the rental van and then drove off into the darkness.

He pulled out his cell phone and called his partner...

"How did it go?" Duke greeted.

"Like stealing candy from a baby," Jason laughed. "This one is a real beauty; we might be able to get more for her. She has that exotic look."

"Good, I just gave Shelby another shot of Heroine, she shouldn't be a problem anymore," Duke said in between a yawn.

"Well, sit tight and see you in two days," Jason replied.

"Keep me posted," Duke insisted. "We can't let our guard down.

You have the wife of a billionaire, so we have to stay as low as possible until the deal is made. " "All right, I got it," Jason replied.

"Talk to you later," Duke said ending the call.

Azura's body lay still on the uncomfortable cold metal floor of the van, the drugs that she was injected with seem to keep her completely paralyzed. All she could think about was Tobias and wonder if she would ever see him again. She didn't know if he was dead or alive or if she would be able to escape and find her way back to him. She fell back into a deep sleep with thoughts of her husband consuming her mind. ♥ Five hours later...

Tobias woke to the smell and sound of bacon being cooked in the kitchen. He remembered Azura's eagerness to cook him breakfast in the morning. He decided he would go and greet her, but as he tried to get up he felt a sharp pain in his shoulder and an excruciating headache taking his full attention. He fumbled off the bed and to the bathroom looking confused by the disarray of their bedroom. He looked in the bathroom mirror and gasped. It looked to be like a small dart was sticking out of his arm. He rushed back into the bedroom and realized the blanket was missing. Azura's clothes were still on the floor. He threw on his pajama pants and began calling for Azura.

"Mr. Cavanaugh?" the hired help responded as she stepped out of the kitchen.

"Have you seen my wife?" he asked anxiously.

"No," Debbie, a local woman hired to cook the meals for Tobias

and his wife answered.

Tobias ran his fingers through his hair. He ran outside uncaring about the harsh cold weather. He noticed large foot prints by a nearby bush and then more. The cold winter air brought him back to reality and he rushed back inside.

"Call the police!" he orders to the hired help.

She quickly stops what she was doing and called the local police department. Tobias tore through their suit cases and put on warm clothes, he rushed back out to the foyer to put on his coat, gloves, and boots.

"The police are on their way, Sir. Is there anything else you need, anything that I can help you with?" she asked.

"Yes...help me find my wife," Tobias broke down.

"Sir, now is not the time to let your emotions take over. Maybe she went for a walk, check for tracks, and I'll stay by the phone," she said placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Tracks!" Tobias jumped to his feet remembering the large foot prints he found out side.

He rushed back outside and made sure to keep a good distance from the tracks he found. He realized they surrounded the house and that whoever it was, lingered for a bit at the sliding glass door leading to their bedroom. He followed the tracks back around to the front door. Whoever did this, knew the security code to their cottage. Tobias froze as he remembered Azura's dream. He wasn't the type to interpret dreams or find any real meaning in things of that nature. He pulled out his cell and called his cousin Tamarius Martinez in Florida. His cousins Tamarius and Maxwell, who are brothers, are also profound spiritual warriors. It was never

something that Tobias could really wrap his mind around, but when it came to dreams, and premonitions he knew that it was his cousins’ department. He had to contact them, he knew that they were there for him and they would give him hope in finding Azura before it was too late.

Tamarius didn't answer his phone, so Tobias left a frantic voicemail. He hoped that his cousin would call him back before it was too late. A vision of his wife telling him she was pregnant hit him and he fell to his knees.

CHAPTER 9 I DON’T GIVE UP!

“Tobias leaned back in his seat. He now regretted the day he ever met Shelby.”

Tamarius and his wife were enjoying a day at Englishman's Bay in Tobago when he noticed a missed call from his cousin Tobias. He listened to the voicemail then sprung into action.

"Baby we have a problem," he said to his wife, Makayla.

"What’s wrong babe?" Makayla asked.

"We have to go; Tobias my cousin thinks that his new bride was kidnapped." Tamarius said standing from the beach towel they were laying on.

"Didn't they just get married?" Makayla asked.

"Yes," Tamarius answered.

"Maybe she ran away. Didn't your aunt say it was an arranged marriage?" Makayla reminded her husband.

"Well, he's upset and if he didn't care about her he wouldn't call me," Tamarius summed up to his wife.

"You’re right," Makayla replied. "Let's go," she added, pulling up the large towel.

"I'm dropping you home, I don't want you in any danger," Tamarius said pulling his wife close.

"Babe, I can help" Makayla insisted.

"Please baby. I can handle this, but if I have any problems I will call you, I promise." Tamarius pleaded.

"Fine, I guess," Makayla sighed.

Tamarius returned his cousin's phone call. "Tobias, I'm on my way, just give me a few hours to get there. Text me your location and try to keep calm; we are going to get through this," Tamarius encouraged his cousin. They spoke for a bit longer then hung up.

"Baby, don't worry about me. Go on and take care of business. I will be by my parents," Makayla said knowing that he would like to be at his cousin's side as soon as possible.

"I can't just leave you here on the beach, but let me take you to your parents home and then I will take the jet out to my cousin," Tamarius suggested.

"Okay, that's better," Makayla said planting a kiss on his lips. ♥ Tobias looked at his phone to check the time. Azura had been missing for a few hours now, but he had no idea how long. "I won't give up," he said under his breath. He was determined to find his wife no matter what. The police were now there and turned the entire cottage into a crime scene. An officer found tire tracks and foot prints that matched the ones around the cottage. He and another officer followed the tracks until they disappeared into the traffic of the main road. A detective was brought in and a medic to test Tobias' blood to see when the sedative entered his body. The

detective hoped that this would give him a better estimate of how long his wife may have been missing.

Tobias tried to call Shelby numerous times, but got no answer. He was quickly losing his patience with her and was even beginning to suspect her of having something to do with his wife's disappearance. The detective continued to ask him repetitive questions and it was quickly beginning to feel more like an interrogation rather than a simple questioning.

"Excuse me, but I need to call my in-laws. They should hear this from me and not over the news," Tobias said abruptly cutting off the detective. He pulled out his cell phone and called Azura's father and told him the difficult news. They ended the call quickly letting him know that they would be flying out there shortly. He tried to call Shelby once more and still no answer. He sighed as he shoved his phone back into his pocket.

"Are you certain your wife was happy in the relationship?" the detective came at him again.

"Yes, we made love and fell asleep holding each other. Does that sound like an unhappy relationship?" Tobias snapped.

"Sir, you should eat something, you haven't eaten all day," Debbie said offering him a plate of food.

"I'm sorry Debbie, but I can't eat right now, maybe just a cup of tea. "Tobias suggested. He knew that it would just sit and get cold, but he knew she was just trying to be helpful.

"Tea sounds good," Debbie replied as she walked back towards the kitchen.

Tobias sighed; this was not what he had intended as their weekend getaway. His cell phone rang and it was his parents. He explained everything to them and they also made arrangements to come as soon as possible. Soon the cottage would be packed.

♥ They had been traveling for eight hours. Jason only made one stop for gas four hours ago and soon he would be making another stop to fill up the tank. Azura was planning her escape.

Having the ability to see in the dark, she found a sharp object to help shred the rope that was tied around her wrist. It took a while, but she was finally able to cut them off of her hands. She kept her hands behind her back and faked being asleep any time the van stopped. She thought about sneaking up behind him as he drove, but worried about her unborn child. In the end she realized that she would only have one chance to try and escape and she wasn't sure if she wanted to put her child in any further danger.

Azura decided to wait it out longer for the perfect opportunity or wait for Tobias to come through. Either way she did not want to put her pregnancy in any further danger. She overheard his conversations with his partner and realized he needed her alive rather than dead which gave her hope in getting out of this somehow. She also heard them mention Miami. It would be a long drive, eventually he would have to stop and rest. Azura decided that if the opportunity was right, she would make her escape then.

Jason pulled into a gas station and filled up the tank again. He was determined to put in seventeen hours of driving before he made a rest stop. He needed to distance himself as much as possible from the cottage in Wyoming. ♥ There was now a crowd of news media, reporters and investigators surrounding the barricades that had to be put up near the cottage. The Kidnapping of a billionaire's wife had made nationwide headlines. Tobias had just finished his press release when a limo containing Tamarius and Maxwell arrived. The two

men stepped out of the limo; Tamarius was tall with broad shoulders and a well built physic. He had a deep caramel complexion and maintained a bald head. They both had dashing grey eyes and a smile to melt your heart.

Maxwell was also tall with a spice complexion. He had a head fun of soft curls and he was the older of the two. As they made their way to the house, the cameras flashed and reporters did their best to get their attention, but there complete focus was on the grief of their cousin. They were going to use their unique abilities to help him find his wife and bring her back home safely.

Tobias greeted them before they could make it to the front door.

"You made it here fast?" Tobias said as the feeling of hope filled him.

"Well our jet is just faster than your jet," Tamarius teased.

"Oh we will have to see about that," Tobias chuckled lightly. It was the first time he laughed since the whole disaster started. "Let’s go inside." he said "There isn't much room, and there are a lot of cops running in and out. So privacy doesn't exist right now."

"It's okay," Maxwell replied.

The three men walked into the home. Tobias introduced them to the lead detective and then they were all seated around the dining room table. Tobias told his cousins everything, including the pregnancy. Tamarius and Maxwell leaned back in there chair and thought quietly for a moment. Tamarius was the first to speak.

"One thing that I have learned is that when your wife has a dream or a premonition, you got to listen. Women are very perceptive.

That's just how God made them."

"I didn't know," Tobias defended.

"Of course not," Tamarius replied. "How could you, technically you two are still getting to learn the basics of each other. It takes time and wisdom to see if her insights are correct. Just keep a mental note of all this."

"I will now," Tobias said with a sigh.

"Don't lose hope, she will be found." Maxwell added.

"Who is Shelby?" Tamarius asked.

"How do you..."

"He has incredible insight," Maxwell said cutting off Tobias.

"Shelby is my assistant," Tobias answered feeling a bit uncomfortable.

Tamarius sensed that there was more to that, but didn't want to put his cousin on the spot with so many people listening in on their conversation. Just as Tamarius was preparing to ask another question. Tobias' cell phone rang.

"Excuse me," Tobias said lifting one finger to his cousin, while answering the call. It was his father-in-law. Tobias could hear his mother-in-law sobbing in the background.

Albert cleared his throat and began to speak. "There is something I should have told you when I last called. It was the purpose of my call, but I heard Azura laughing in the background. She was so happy; we hardly ever experienced that side of her. What I wanted to tell you was that a friend of Azura's named Morgan came by the other day and he gave my wife a warning. He said that a red headed woman came into Jason's office and was trying to hire him to put a hit out on Azura."

"What?!" Tobias said instantly boiling with rage. "A red head!"

Tobias got everyone's full attention.

"Is Shelby the red head?" Maxwell asked his brother, who nodded right away.

Tobias ended the call with his in-laws, and turned his attention to the detective standing close by. He told him all what his father-inlaw had told him and the detective left while putting out an APB on Shelby Meade. Tamarius rushed out to the limo driver and they searched for a map, he found one in the glove compartment.

Tamarius rushed back into the cottage as he opened the map and spread it out on the table.

"I'm estimating that the kidnapper has been on the road for about ten or more hours. So where will that put him. What is ten hours south of Wyoming heading towards Florida?" Tamarius question out load.

"That could turn out tricky, because we don't know if he will take alternate routes," Maxwell replied.

"Well, the other suggestion is to find this Morgan guy, see what else we can learn from him. We should fly back to Florida now," Tamarius suggested.

"I can't sit here and wait around for the cops to figure things out," Tobias spoke under his breath.

"Do you have anyone who can stay here and manage things while the three of us take a ride? I think I know where they may be headed," Tamarius said to his cousin.

"Well I don't, oh wait, Debbie!" Tobias called out.

"Yes Sir," Debbie answered quickly.

"You are in charge, I'm going to forward my calls to the cottage phone. I'm going to take a drive with my cousins and see if we see anything," Tobias informed her.

"Not a problem Sir. Good luck, I hope your wife is brought back home safely," Debbie replied.

The three men placed back on their winter coats and protective wear then walked pass the shouting reporters, got in the limo and slowly fought pass the horde of people camped out around the cottage.

"The kidnapper has a good head start on us. We are hoping to catch up with him before he reached his destination," Tamarius said then continuing to fill him in on what he picked up on psychically.

"Shelby is behind this, but right now I think even her, is in trouble."

"Well, she put herself in that situation," Tobias grumbled.

"Yes, but this is very bad," Tamarius replied.

Tobias leaned back in his seat. He now regretted the day he ever met Shelby.

CHAPTER 10 PROWESS

“Tobias leaned back in his seat. He now regretted the day he ever met Shelby.”

It was late Saturday night when they landed at a private airstrip in Orlando, Florida. Tobias, Maxwell, and Tamarius meet up with Azura's parents at their home, before they left for Wyoming.

Tobias greeted both his in-laws with a hug. They all sat down in the living room, discussing Azura's Disappearance. Tobias was finally able to tell them the full story and why they were there. He however left out the part about Tamarius and Maxwell's special gifts "I'm sorry for all of this," Tobias said as he leaned forward on the couch placing his for arms to rest on his knees.

"No sweetie, we should have listened to Morgan," Albert returned leaning forward also.

"Where is Morgan?" Tamarius asked.

"We don't really know, and I'm not sure where he works in town.

We never really paid much attention to him, but you’re more than welcome to search Azura's room for any information you can find," Amelia replied.

"Where is her room?" Tobias asked immediately.

"Follow me," Albert said standing up from the couch and walking towards the large staircase.

The group all stood and followed Albert to Azura's room. It was at the end of the hall. On the door was a sign that read: Enter at your own risk. Tobias was eager to see what was behind that closed door in his wife's life. Albert opened the door and led them into the lavish bedroom. There was a full size bed at one end and the other looked like an inviting lounge area. On the walls was a full mural of a family of wolves in the snow. And everything in her decor reflected her love for wolves.

"She never really let anyone in her room. She liked her solitude."

Ameila sighed thinking back to the difficulty in raising Azura.

Tamarius and Maxwell both went straight for her nightstand. It would be the best place to look for an address book. Tobias went to her student desk in a corner of the room and pulled out an old note pad from high school. He glanced through it before moving on to her high school yearbook. He couldn't help but search for her senior picture, which turned out to be the unhappiest picture he had ever seen. She looked miserable and detached from the present reality. He flipped the page and found Morgan's picture, jealousy rose in him again, but it was weakened with the thought of never seeing his wife again, never touching her skin. It now seemed silly to be jealous of a man she wasn't longing for. Suddenly it hits him; Morgan's last name was very familiar. "Judd?" Tobias blurted out load. "Is this Uncle Adam Judd, by any chance?" he asked his inlaws.

"Oh I don't know dear," Ameila answered.

Tobias pulled out his wallet and quickly flipped through to find a business card from Adam Judd. Happy to see he had not thrown it out, he called the number on the card. It was after midnight but Tobias didn't care. "Hello?" said a voice on the other end.

"Adam, Adam Judd?" Tobias questioned.

"Yes, this is he, has something happen to my nephew?" the old man questioned right away.

"Is your nephew Morgan?" Tobias asked.

"Yes, Morgan Judd, is he in some kind of trouble?"

"No, but we need his help. Do you know how we can get a hold of him?" Tobias asked.

"Who is this?"

"Tobias Cavaughna," "Hey we had a meeting and you stood me up!" the old man shouted.

"Yes, I told my assistant to let you know that I am accepting your offer, but you haven't heard from her, obviously," Tobias replied.

"No, I haven't, but thank you," he replied happily.

"Yes we can talk about this later, can you please help me get in touch with Morgan," Tobias reminded.

"Yes, yes of course, here is his number. 555 0110, he plays pool down at the bar most late nights so he should be up. Good luck and we will be in touch," Adam said as he prepared to end the call.

"Yes we will be in touch, thank you," Tobias said then ended the call.

Tobias didn't wait another second to call Morgan. The phone rang and Morgan answered on the third ring. "Hello, Morgan, this is Tobias...Azura's husband."

"I -I know who you are, what happen is she all right?" Morgan asked. "I just turned on the news and I'm now hearing that she was kidnapped."

"I was told that you may know who is behind it," Tobias got straight to the point.

"Yes, Jason, my boss."

"Where is his shop located?"

"Kissimmee, off of 192 and John Young. You can't miss it. Jason's Autocare," Morgan informed them. "I will meet you there if you don't mind. I need to know that Azura is safe."

"We are leaving now...but don't make yourself obvious..."

"Meet me at the Waffle House in the same area," Morgan said cutting him off.

"Okay," Tobias answered then hung up.

"What did he say?" Maxwell asked his cousin.

"It's in Kissimmee and he wants us to meet him at the waffle house close by," Tobias answered.

"Let's go," Tamarius said heading towards the bedroom door. ♥ Jason drove for a straight seventeen hours only stopping for gas and the occasional bathroom break. He was now making his planned stop to get a few hours shut eye. Opting to pull off to the side of the road and take a nap versus going to a hotel room, seem like the better choice. For the entire journey Jason had not checked on the extremely quiet Azura. He notices she was very different from the other girls he has taken in the past. Jason knew the drugs should have worn off by now, but she has not screamed

or made any attempt to escape. He realized he would have to check to see if she was alive; it wouldn't be the first time a girl died during the kidnapping process.

Jason yanked his car to the side of the road as Azura’s mouth poured out a variety of curse words. He bitterly shoved the gear into park and exited the van. He walked around to the back, unlocked it, but only to see Azura lunging at him with full force.

She knocked him to the ground and they began to wrestle. Her hands were around his neck doing their best to choke the life right out of him, but they just weren't strong enough. She knew it would be a matter of time before he would regain control. Although it was uncomfortable to fight naked she could not back down now. She abruptly stood then shoved her foot on his neck pinning him to the ground. She found the van keys before he knocked her off balance, and she found a knife. She slammed the knife into his thigh as he stood, he hollered out in pain. Azura ran to the driver side of the van, hopped in and sped off but was immediately struck by an oncoming car.

She was grateful that it was only the front bumper that got wiped out and not her. She threw the van in reverse, but Jason reached the door, he flung it open and shoved her out of the driver’s seat.

Azura fell on the floor between the driver and passenger seat. She scrabbled to reach the passenger side door, however Jason yanked her back then locked the doors. He sped of nearly hitting the driver of the vehicle that hit the van.

He cursed, shouted and struck her naked body repeatedly. Azura managed to tuck herself down onto the floor by the passenger's seat. She glared at Jason and although the van was dark her eyes saw clearly in the dark. Jason glanced at her but the chills that ran down his spine concerning her frighten him beyond anything else he has ever known. He saw a wild animal ready to kill him at the first given opportunity.

Jason now realized he would have to drive straight to Florida without stopping. If he stays in the area the cops would find him because of the car accident, also he could not give her another chance to escape. He pulled out his dart gun that he hid under his seat and shot Azura. The eerie glow from her eyes finally faded and her eyes closed. Pain from his left thigh began to throb. He pulled off his shirt and tore off a strip while doing his best to keep the van on the road. He pulled the knife from his thigh while swearing. The pain was too much, he needed to pull over; but he knew it would be foolish to stop now. He regained his strength and wrapped the clothe around his wound and tied a tight knot.

As he settled in to the drive, he realized he may not make it another seventeen hours. He found his cell phone and called his partner. "We have a problem," he greeted.

"What's going on?" Duke replied.

"She tried to escape, I got hurt, and there was a car accident. I got away, but I'm sure those bastards are going to call the cops, so I have to distance myself." Jason explained.

"Then why the hell are you calling me!" Duke retorted. "Get some damn coffee and quit your complaining!"

Jason hung up his cell phone and turned on the radio full blast... ♥ "When I passed the shop, on the way to this restaurant, I saw an older man smoking a cigarette outside of the shop." Morgan said as he sat with Tobias, Tamarius, and Maxwell in a Waffle House Restaurant near the mechanic shop.

"I take it, that's not your boss," Tobias said as he placed his coffee down on the counter.

I don't know who he is, but he can't be a thief, he seems oddly comfortable." Morgan added.

Tobias opened his mouth to ask Morgan a personal question; however, his cell phone rang. It was the detective from Wyoming.

He stepped outside to speak with him quietly.

"I just wanted to give you an update. We are sorting through a lot of leads as we speak, and a few of them seem promising-" "Can you do research on the owner of an auto shop called Jason's Auto care?" Tobias said cutting him off.

"Of course, what did you find out?" The detective asked.

"I don't know much," Tobias replied. "I really need you to look into that and let me know. We are back in Florida, and we are with a man who says that Jason, his boss, was hired to kill my wife."

"I will check on that now, I will call you back," The detective returned seeing the urgency to act quickly.

"Thank you," Tobias said before ending the call. As he turned to walk back into the restaurant he noticed an older gentleman walking in his direction from the corner of his eye. He thought about the man Morgan had described and could see that this man fit the description. The stranger was tall, with short grey hair that was a ruffled mess. He wore black pants and a buttoned up shirt.

He walked pass Tobias and into the restaurant. It just happened that Morgan was trying to get Tobias' attention from inside the restaurant. Tobias saw and Morgan signaled to him that he was the man he saw earlier.

Tobias made a quick decision to run next door to the mechanic shop to see if he could get any information on Jason or the stranger

or anything he could find out concerning his wife's kidnapping.

CHAPTER 11 CALVARY

“Morgan looked upon the faces of everyone there. He had a deep dark secret to tell.”

He waited impatiently as a car drove pass. Tobias quickly ran across the street and disappeared into the shadows surrounding Jason's mechanic shop. He tried all the doors, but they were locked. He tried to peer into a window but boxes stacked from the inside blocked his view. Tobias decided to give up and return to the restaurant when he noticed something familiar out the corner of his eye. It was a red car covered in old tarp. As he moved closer he recognized it was Shelby's car. He looked back at the building as he silently questioned himself about her possible being in the building. Is she a part of this or had she become a victim too? He questioned himself. His cell phone rang and it was his cousin Maxwell demanding him to return. The stranger got his food and was walking towards the door. Tobias hid himself in the shadows and waited for the stranger to cross the street and enter the mechanic shop.

He wanted desperately to see inside the building, but did not want to do anything that would put his wife in further danger. They would have to wait however long it would take to see Jason return to the shop, without suspecting anything.

His cell phone rang again, but this time it was the detective from Wyoming. "What did you find out?" Tobias questioned upon answering the phone.

"Jason has a business partner named Duke; the local detectives have been watching them for months. They believe that they are a part of a sex trafficking ring." The detective answered.

"They plan on selling my wife!" Tobias replied.

"We are working with them, but we need your cooperation to bring them down for good. The Orlando detective informed me that they met with a man in Miami. What we need is for the connection to be made." The detective said.

"You want me to allow them to play games with my wife's life!"

Tobias growled.

"We have reason to believe that they will not kill her, she is worth more to them alive. They are sex traffickers "he reminded." We also believe that they are holding more than just your wife at that shop. An undercover detective investigated there about a month ago. He portrayed himself to be a customer and he took his car in to be fixed. He could not find anything that indicated they were holding women there. But when he was leaving he decided to take a look at the original floor plans of the building. It took him a couple days to get a hold of it and when he did he found out that there used to be a large room below ground."

Tobias had his back to the building, but turned around to take a second look at the detective continued speaking. He notices that

building seemed a little higher than the others. The drive way leading to the garage was on a slight slope. "That guy Morgan. Are you sure he doesn't know anything? I mean how does a guy working there for so many years not notice anything?"

"That's a very good point" Tobias said looking back across the street to the restaurant. "Let me call you back." he said hanging up the phone before the detective could finish speaking.

Tobias struggled to hold on to his sanity as he stomped across the street, shoved the doors open and his eyes locked with Morgan's.

He took him by the collar and yanked him out of his set ignoring Tamarius and Maxwell's protest. "How is it you know nothing about your bosses?"

"Wh-what! Bosses?" Morgan stammered.

"Jason and Duke!" Tobias shouted.

"I only have one boss; he is the owner of that shop. I've worked for him since I was sixteen; I think I would know if I have another boss!"

"Tobias, what is going on?" Tamarius asked forcing his cousin to let go of Morgan.

"Let’s pay our tab and leave, this is not the place to be having this conversation," Maxwell said dropping a hundred on the countertop. "Keep the change," he said to the waitress who had served them. She stood stunned as she glared at the four men, then down at the one hundred dollar bill.

They all exited the restaurant quietly and walked around the back where the limo had been parked hidden from view. They all entered the limo and Morgan was asked to tell them everything that he knew, even if it seemed insignificant.

"How did you come to work for Jason?" Maxwell asked calmly as he sat off to the right of Morgan who was seated next to the door of

the limo. Tamarius sat next to him and Tobias sat next to Maxwell.

It was perfectly organized that way by Maxwell and Tamarius to keep Tobias from harming Morgan.

Morgan looked upon the faces of everyone there. He had a deep dark secret to tell, but he figured he could find a way around it and stop them from digging too deep into his past. "I knew him since we were kids I guess," he began. "M-my father, when he was alive, was friends with his father. My father died when I was..." a violent memory surfaced of his father causing Morgan to lose focus. The silence became deafening and Morgan pulled himself together. "Our parents weren't good people. I was taken away from my parents at a young age and sent to live with my uncle. Jason is five years older than me and we remained friends. I always looked up to him even if I didn't always agree with what he did. I Just...he was the only person who I felt really knew me. He was my connection to the father I thought I had and the mother I never knew. We lost touch for a while, but when I turned sixteen he came looking for me. He wanted me to do him a favor, help him out around the shop. His father had just passed away and he needed the extra help. He taught me all that he knew about cars. I went to a vocational school to get certified and I became a full time auto technician for him. I never really noticed anything strange except this one time." Morgan paused for a moment then began to speak again. "I-I brought girl...she wanted to see what it is that I do?

Everything was fine I showed her around and introduced her to Jason. He must of taken a liking to her, because...well...I saw something in his eyes when he looked at her. I was only nineteen at that time, I put it behind me, and we continued on our day. Later that night after I dropped her home, I found out that she was kidnapped in the middle of the night, while walking her dog. She was never heard from again. I didn't put it all together back then, but now...I see it differently."

"Did you ever bring Azura around your shop?" Tobias asked.

"No," Morgan answered.

"Now, what are you not telling us?" Tamarius questioned Morgan directly.

"Wh-what do you mean?" Morgan questioned quickly becoming annoyed.

Tamarius glanced at Morgan and with his gift of spiritual vision he caught a glimpse of Morgan's childhood, images of an adorable little boy being used to lure other children away from the watchful eye of their parents. He thought back to what he said about his parents not being good people and he leaned back in his seat. It was Morgan’s secret and had nothing to do with Azura's disappearance, and none of their business. Tamarius stopped Tobias and Maxwell from asking Morgan any further question. "It's okay, he has nothing to do with what happen to Azura." he glanced back at Morgan and smiled. "It’s okay," he said softly.

16 hours later...

Duke suddenly opened the garage and a white van pulled in. Duke, concerned about being followed, took a look around the area before closing the garage door. Jason's feet hit the floor with a thud, he groaned in pain from the knife wound on his thigh.

"Where is she?" Duke questioned heatedly.

"We can't do this alone any more, we need to hire more people," Jason stated while walking towards the back of the van."I put her in the back, tied her up again. That one is a wild one, stand back!"

Jason warned his friend.

"What happen to your shirt?" Duke asked.

"She was naked when I took her; it’s very hard to focus seeing a body like that. Can't tell you how bad I wanted to pull over for a while and break her in myself," Jason chuckled.

"I saw pictures of this one in the newspaper, what a beauty?!"

Duke expressed.

"Yea well I don't know if you want to mess with this one," Jason mumbled.

"Oh, I'll break her in," Duke replied hearing his words.

Jason paused as he unlocked the door and looked at his friend.

"Brace yourself in case she gets lose again."

"Just open the damn door!" Duke demanded.

Jason opened the door cautiously. He relaxed when he saw that Azura was still passed out. She lay in the remains of his torn and bloody shirt. Her soft thick wavy hair encircled her bruised face.

Jason grabbed her feet that sat close to the door and dragged her

limp body to the edge of the van. He picked her up and slumped her over his should as he cried out in pain. Duke grabbed his arm as his knees hit the floor.

"You forgot your injury old friend," Duke laughed. He lifted Azura throwing her over his shoulder as Jason got back on his feet. "All together we have four girls. I don't think we can handle six right now."

"Just put her down," Jason said pointing to a section of the garage where an unusually large fridge sat.

"Have you ever thought about bringing in Morgan?" Duke asked as he walked towards the fridge.

"Nah, every since his father lost custody of him he became useless.

His uncle ruined him, turning him into some do-gooder," Jason replied doing his best to step ahead of his friend to open the fridge door for him. Jason reached into the fridge and pressed a button.

They both step back as the fridge moved forward to the side, automatically revealing a door way leading down underneath the building into a chamber that held three cheap wooden bunk beds and toilet sat in the corner next to a faucet. As Duke walked behind Jason going down the stairs, Azura woke up, however she stayed motionless. The only light coming in was from the garage; however, Azura's eyes saw perfectly. The less light the better it was for her. She noticed something sticking out of Duke's back pocket.

It was a pocket knife, a smile grew across her face. Slowly she reached down slipping the pocket knife out. Jason reached the bottom of the stairs and turned on a light.

Three other women sat quietly on their bunk beds while shackled to the wooden frame. It looked as if they had been there for days.

They all shied away from the light as it hurt their eyes. Shelby sat on the floor hopelessly. Duke had beaten her and raped her repeatedly. She had no more fight left in her and now regretted all of her selfish actions. As her eyes slowly adjusted to the light, she

cried out in shame and anger as they brought Azura further into the room.

"I'm so sorry," she whispered as she looked at Azura.

"We move them first thing in the morning," Jason said out loud.

Azura opened the pocketknife and with all her might she plowed the knife deep into his back severing his spine. Duke fell to his knees taking Azura down with him; she quickly jumped to her feet running back to the base of the stairs and hitting the light switch making it dark. Jason spun around in time to see Duke Collapse and Azura heading toward the stairs. By the time it went dark he was moving towards her.

Azura ran up the stairs, Jason lunged for her but missed. She made it to the top of the stairs and shut the door closing herself in with the other. Although it was just a glance, Azura noted that she was not alone and she did not have it in her heart to selfishly save herself.

She turned to face Jason. She could see him in the dark struggling to get back on his feet. Duke was groaning and weeping pitifully, while crying out that he could not feel his legs. Azura looked past Jason quickly to access full situation. The three women stood from their bed as hope filled their hearts; one girl looked to be just fourteen years old. She was a pretty brown skin girl with light color eyes. Azura took a quick glance back at Jason who was now coming up the stairs towards her. As he got close she kicked him in the face sending him flying backwards down the stairs.

Azura rushed down the stairs and jumped of Jason who was still conscious, yet, confused and disoriented. She stood in the middle of the room about five feet from where Duke was laying on the floor crying over the loss of sensation in his lower body. She looked at all of the women's faces. "He has a key in his pocket!" one of the girls yelled.

Jason made it back on his feet and turned on the light. Filled with pure adrenaline he ignored the pain throughout his body and rushed towards Azura, she turned in time to see Jason coming towards her and she moved out of the way passing him.

She turned to face him enraged by what she was seeing, women bound to bed and obviously raped and abused. The spirit of her wolf mother appeared in her peripheral vision, and the untamed her was released. She lunged at Jason knocking him down to the ground while digging her fingers around his throat.

Jason struggled to reach in his back pocket; he fought back then pulled out his hand gun. He shoved Azura off of him then pointed the gun at her. They now stood two feet from each other, unsure of who would make the next move. Azura glanced pass Jason and noticed Shelby staring back at her with tears in her eyes. She quickly refocused her attention on Jason. It was now going to be him or her.

CHAPTER 12 INDOMITABLE SPIRIT

"I deceived you too,"...

"Why do you do this?" Azura finally spoke after what felt like an hour of ear piercing silence.

"I have a gun pointed at your chest and you want to question my judgment?" Jason replied with a slight smirk on his face.

"If you wanted me dead I would have been dead a very long time ago," Azura said as she boldly stepped around him and stood over his friend, intentionally keeping her back towards him.

Her indomitable spirit dumbfounded Jason. As much as he hated to admit it, he actually did like her. He turned around surprised to see that she had her back to him. It enraged him, he got the subtle message her body language was sending him. She was telling him he was nothing, that he had no power over her. Jason shoved his gun in his back pocket and picked her up, carrying her as she kicked and screamed. He slammed her down on the bottom bunk mattress. The shirt that she was wearing was now crumbled above her waist exposing her rear. He began to unbutton his jeans, but Azura quickly regained her composure and swung her leg kicking him in his injured thigh. Jason fell back screaming out in pain. His

gun slipped out of his pocket and slide across the floor. Azura ran to where the gun lay on the concrete. She picked it up and shot at the lights on the ceiling shattering the florescent bulbs and sending the room into total darkness.

Again she saw the spirit of her wolf mother walking around the room. As Jason struggled to get back on his feet Azura moved swiftly to search for the keys on Duke's body. He groaned as Azura tugged at his clothes. She found a single key in his pocket and knew it had to be the one. Jason was now on his feet, but he couldn't see in the darkness. This was the advantage Azura enjoyed. She ran to the closest woman to her which was Shelby.

She slipped the key into the lock on the cuff around Shelby's ankle and turned the key popping the lock open. "Wait here," Azura whispered to her. Shelby nodded as tears continued to roll down her cheek.

Azura rushed across the room to where the other girls were chained. She freed them and led them both to stand by the stair well. Jason began cursing at her as he tripped over Duke falling hard on his face. Azura eased her way pass Jason as he once again rose to his feet. She reached Shelby taking her hand and pulling her to walk behind her. Azura made it pass Jason who was looking for something in his pocket. He pulled out a flashlight and got a glimpse of Azura and Shelby moving pass him. He suddenly reached out and caught Shelby's wrist, yanking her backwards.

"Just go!" Shelby shouted towards Azura who turned back and began to pull her away from Jason. However, Jason would not let go.

"No," I can't leave you behind," Azura shouted.

"Help the others...I don’t deserve it!" Shelby sobbed.

"Yes you do!" Azura demanded. She kicked at Jason regretting the

moment she dropped the gun after shooting the lights.

Jason hollered out in pain and lost his grip on Shelby. Azura grabbed her hand and led her towards the stairs meeting up with the other girls. Azura and the other women held each other’s hands as Azura led them up the stairs. Azura struggled to find a way to open the mysterious door. "There's a button on the wall that he would push?" one of the women informed Azura.

"Yes, found it!" Azura said as she heard Jason climbing the stairs behind them.

"Hurry!" Shelby cried out.

Azura hit the small button on the wall and the doorway began to open. The girl at the end of the chain screamed out. Jason had got a hold of her and was trying to pull her backwards. Azura pushed Shelby and the other women out the doorway as she grabbed on to the woman that Jason was trying to throw behind him.

Azura grabbed her free arm and pulled back using all of her weight, she pulled the girl towards her, causing her to lose her balance and fall on top of her. She pushed the girl to get back on her feet and get out. Jason grabbed Azura's legs preventing her from getting up. Azura yelled at the young woman to get help now.

Jason looked up at the young women disappearing into the garage and he knew that he had to stop them from opening the garage door and escaping...

"Mary!" Shelby called out to a young blonde hair girl that was captured before her. They were all acquainted with each other and had formed a bond from enduring the same repetitive abuse from Duke and Jason. "Get the garage door open!"

Mary flew into action quickly finding the wall unit to open the

garage door. Shelby found a cordless phone sitting on its base. It was covered in dirt and grease, but apparently was still in use. She picked up the phone and dialed 911.

"She needs help!" Joana shouted as she ran into the garage.

"Joana here, speak to the 911 operator," Shelby demanded handing her the cordless phone. Joana took the phone as Shelby began to run back to help Azura.

Shelby could hear the scuffle as Azura and Jason fought on the stair well. She didn't think twice about helping Azura, especially after seeing all that she did to free all of them. As she stepped on the platform, she found herself facing Jason's back. Azura was holding onto the railing Jason had a knife in his right hand and he was preparing to stab Azura with it. Seeing that Azura was holding on the rail gave her the green light to shove Jason as hard as she could down the stairs. Shelby took a large step back then threw all her weight at Jason, she lost her balance also and began to fall behind him, but Azura caught a tight hold of her arm.

Sirens could be heard and heavy footprints were coming towards them in seconds. Their rescuer was now standing in the doorway.

"Tobias!" Azura screamed out jumping over the first steps and into her husband’s arms. He immediately wrapped his arms around her while pulling her into the garage. "Wait; Shelby!" Azura shouted pulling away from him and heading back into the stairwell. Azura reached out for Shelby just as a gun shot was fired from the bottom of the stair well. Tobias was right on his wife's heals and reached for her as he heard the gun shot.

Azura released a soul-shattering scream as warm blood spattered on her face. Shelby's eyes had the look of death as her body began to fall backwards into the inky darkness. Azura still held on to her hand. Tobias gasped pulling his wife back and grabbing Shelby's

lifeless body. He heard the gun being cocked again and moved quickly to push his wife out of the door while lifting Shelby's body.

Another shot was fired, but it missed.

Upon hearing the gun shots, Tamarius, Maxwell, and Morgan were rushing towards them. Azura walked in front of her husband sobbing and Tobias covered in Shelby's blood carrying her body.

Morgan wanted desperately to console Azura, but knew that it would enrage Tobias to see him hugging his half naked wife.

Tamarius gently took Shelby's body from Tobias; While Maxwell took off his overcoat and places it over Azura's shoulders.

Upon seeing Shelby's lifeless body, Mary and Joana began to cry and scream. Tamarius gently laid Shelby's body on the ground, he took off his coat and covered her body but while leaving her face uncovered. The EMT's approached slowly convincing Mary and Joana to allow them to take them to the hospital.

Tobias searched for his wife in the crowd of people. He lost track of her when he handed Shelby to his cousin. He looked down at his shirt covered in Shelby's blood and couldn't stand the sight of it. He removed his shirt and wiped his bare chest of the remaining blood. He walked through the crowd of police, emergency response, and multiple reporters and news media crew, struggling to understand where his wife could have disappeared to; he stopped and took a deep breath. "Please let me find you," he whispered. He took another deep breath and his heart led him to his wife who was seated on the ground besides the neighboring building. He ran to her scooping her up in his arms. "Baby, I thought I lost you forever," he said gently squeezing her as he sat down on the floor with her.

"I tried to save her," Azura cried.

"Sweetie, you did, you did and you don't even know..." Tobias paused as he became choked up with anger and sadness concerning

Shelby. He forced his anger down as he took joy in seeing his wife alive and then it hit him, the pregnancy, with all that Azura has just endured would the baby survive? He thought to himself "Baby we have to get you to the hospital now," he said standing to his feet then lifting her. Azura laid her head on his chest and continued to cry. He carried her to the ambulance an EMT' was searching for her and was ready when Tobias approached carrying his wife in his arms. He quickly informed them of her pregnancy and they placed her on a gurney.

"You can ride with us," an EMT invited giving him a hand up into the ambulance.

Tobias got in and sat close to his wife who was reaching out for him. "I'm here my love," he said gently kissing her hand.

"I'm sorry about Shelby, I know that she...she meant a lot to you," Azura said tearfully.

"You don't have to apologize for Shelby, and yes I felt responsible for her, but that was it. I am sad that she is gone, but I’m overjoyed that my wife, the woman that I love beyond my own level of understanding is here and alive." Tobias said planting a kiss on her lips.

"But, what about the baby, what if I lost the baby?" Azura cried.

"No, stop it, hey," he said gently placing a finger under her chin and making her look at him. "We can always have another baby, but you... I will never find another you." Tobias said looking into her deep blue eyes. He ran his fingers through her soft curly wavy hair.

Azura was speechless, all that she ever wanted was to be accepted, and for the first time in her life she found someone who fully and completely accepted all of her. She wrapped her arms around her

husband and for the first time in her life wept tears of joy. !

Morgan watched as the ambulance carrying Azura and Tobias drove away. He wanted to see her and speak to her, but it would be pointless. Since the rental van pulled into the garage, it took Maxwell and Tamarius all of their strength to hold Tobias back from running across the street to rescue his wife, when the garage door opened to the shop. No one could out run Tobias, not even him who considered himself to be a great runner. When Tobias reappeared with Azura walking in front of him and carrying Shelby, Morgan could see by the look in his eyes that his only desire was to hold his wife. Morgan had to admit that although he had a lot of strong feelings for Azura, he knew nothing about real love; he never allowed it to transform him. There were many times that he could have shown his true feelings to Azura, but he played a game with her certain that he would one day win. As the ambulance disappeared into the night, the bitterness of loss set in. !

Tamarius and Maxwell both sighed at the same time then laughed at each other. "What a day bro," Tamarius said patting his brother on the shoulder.

"I'm glad Tobias didn't lose his wife, but this young lady..."

Maxwell replied looking over at the coroners truck that Shelby's body was being placed in. "Death...we deal with it so much in our line of work and yet it is just something I will never get used to."

"That's good; don't get use to it...That's apathy when you feel nothing for the injustice and pain that others go through. So I'm happy to hear that you have not become apathetic, you’re kind of hard to read sometimes," Tamarius chuckled.

"That's because I know how to block you out of my head," Maxwell laughed and Tamarius laughed with him. !

Seven months later...

"When are you going to speak to your family again?" Tobias asked his wife as he watched her reject another call from her mother.

"They lied to me just so that I would go along with their stupid plan," Azura replied as she slowly rose to her feet.

"I deceived you too," he said weakly helping his pregnant wife to stand.

"Don't remind me," Azura mumbled.

"So you’re still mad at me too?" he said gently pulling her into his embrace.

Azura smiled, "You accepted me and loved me even when I pushed you away. I can never stay mad at you."

"You never talk about what happened that day at Jason's shop," Tobias said.

"He never got a chance to do to me what he did to the other girls...I fought at every opportunity I could get and...I saw my wolf mother...I saw her spirit..."

"Oh baby," he said holding her close.

"Tobias...I know that the police got a lot of information out of Duke, but there are so many women being treated like

merchandise, I was only able to help two...but can we do something to help all?"

Tobias knew what his wife was asking. He admired and understood her quest to help others, but he knew that it would be dangerous.

"Maybe we can form an organization and our own private task force to help put an end to human trafficking."

"You support me!"

"Of course my love, always," Tobias said then planted a loving kiss on his wife's soft lips.

~The End ~

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

April Thomas is a multi-talented entrepreneur. She is the author and writer of a book series called Endurance, which was first published in 2009. She has incredible inspiration and creativity. She still manages to explore her natural gift of designing her own line of natural skincare, jewelry, sewing, and a passion for photography. April Thomas knows how to tap into a woman's essence of beauty and imagination. She has also been an advocate in the Indigenous cultures, community, and children.

More books by this author Endurance The Power Within Broken Spirit I Spirit II Apathy Codex and The Being of Karma Numinous Demented Nirvatra Nirvatra Redemption Karma’s Tale Katskin Affiance